If you’re someone who enjoys fast-paced sports, loud cheering crowds, and edge-of-your-seat action, then you’ve probably come across the Pro Kabaddi League. But what exactly is it? How does it work? What makes it different from other leagues? And why has it become one of India’s most-watched sporting events?

In this blog, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the Pro Kabaddi League, its history, rules, teams, and why it’s become such a big hit across the country.

What is the Pro Kabaddi League?

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is India’s first professional kabaddi league, launched in 2014. It brought kabaddi from dusty village grounds to massive indoor stadiums, TV screens, and digital platforms. It’s fast, intense, and honestly, pretty addictive to watch.

What makes the Pro Kabaddi League special is that it took a traditional Indian sport and turned it into a high-energy, modern spectacle, kind of like what the IPL did for cricket. And it worked. Within just a few seasons, kabaddi became one of the most watched sports in India.

A Brief History of the Pro Kabaddi League

How It All Started

The Pro Kabaddi League was founded by Mashal Sports in collaboration with Star India and with support from the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI). The idea came after India’s success in the 2010 Asian Games, where kabaddi was gaining attention.

Inspired by the format of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the first season of the PKL launched in July 2014 with 8 teams.

Key Moments in PKL History

• 2014: The inaugural season kicks off. Jaipur Pink Panthers win the first title.

• 2017: Four new teams are added, expanding the league from 8 to 12 teams.

• 2019: PKL becomes the second-most-watched league in India after IPL.

• 2020: The season is postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 2021–22: The league returns with safety protocols and no live audiences.

• 2023–24: Fans are back in the stadiums, and the league sees record viewership numbers again.

In just over a decade, the Pro Kabaddi League has completely changed how people view kabaddi, not just in India, but globally.

How is Kabaddi Played? (Simple Rules Explained)

If you’re not sure how kabaddi works, don’t worry. It’s actually very easy to understand.

Kabaddi is played between two teams of seven players each, and the goal is to score points by raiding the opponent’s half and tagging as many defenders as possible without getting caught.

Here’s a breakdown of the basic rules:

Raiders vs Defenders

• One player (the raider) crosses into the opponent’s half of the court.

• The raider must tag one or more defenders and return to his half without getting tackled.

• All of this must happen while continuously chanting “kabaddi, kabaddi” — without taking a breath.

Scoring Points

• 1 point for each defender touched and returned safely.

• 1 point for each raider caught by the defending team.

• Bonus point if the raider crosses the bonus line (when 6 or more defenders are on the court).

• Super Raid: If a raider gets 3 or more points in one raid.

• Super Tackle: If a team with 3 or fewer defenders tackles the raider, they get extra points.

Do or Die Raid

• If a team goes two raids without scoring, the third raid becomes a “do or die” — they must score, or the raider is out.

All Out

• If all 7 players of a team are out, the opposing team gets 2 bonus points plus the players out.

It’s all about strategy, strength, speed, and timing. Watching players fly through the air to make a tag or defenders forming walls to trap a raider is super exciting.

Format of the Pro Kabaddi League

The Pro Kabaddi League runs over a few months and follows a round-robin + playoffs format. Here’s how it works:

1. League Stage

• 12 teams play against each other in a single round-robin format.

• Each team plays 22 matches.

• Points are awarded as:
  • Win = 5 points

  • Draw = 3 points each

  • Narrow loss (by 7 or fewer points) = 1 point

2. Playoffs

• The top 6 teams qualify for the playoffs.

• The top 2 get a direct entry into the semi-finals.

• Teams ranked 3 to 6 play in eliminator matches.

• The winners of the semis move on to the final, where the PKL champion is crowned.

This format ensures that every match counts, and there are plenty of chances for teams to make comebacks.

Teams in the Pro Kabaddi League (As of 2025)

Here’s a look at the 12 teams currently competing in the Pro Kabaddi League:

Team Name	Home City/State	Founded
Bengal Warriors	Kolkata, West Bengal	2014
Bengaluru Bulls	Bengaluru, Karnataka	2014
Dabang Delhi KC	Delhi	2014
Gujarat Giants	Ahmedabad, Gujarat	2017
Haryana Steelers	Panchkula, Haryana	2017
Jaipur Pink Panthers	Jaipur, Rajasthan	2014
Patna Pirates	Patna, Bihar	2014
Puneri Paltan	Pune, Maharashtra	2014
Tamil Thalaivas	Chennai, Tamil Nadu	2017
Telugu Titans	Hyderabad, Telangana	2014
U Mumba	Mumbai, Maharashtra	2014
UP Yoddhas	Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh	2017

Each team represents a different region and brings its own fan culture, playing style, and superstars. For example:

• Patna Pirates are known for being the most successful team with multiple titles.

• Jaipur Pink Panthers, owned by actor Abhishek Bachchan, won the first season.

• UP Yoddhas and Dabang Delhi have become strong contenders in recent years.

Why is the Pro Kabaddi League So Popular?

You might wonder, kabaddi? Really? Isn’t that just a school game? Well, it used to be. But the Pro Kabaddi League changed everything.

Here’s why PKL is so popular:

• Simple to follow – You don’t need to understand complex rules. One raid, one tackle, one point.

• Fast and intense – Each raid lasts only 30 seconds. There’s no dull moment.

• Entertainment + Sport – Colorful jerseys, cheering fans, epic music, it’s like a festival.

• Massive TV coverage – Live broadcasts in multiple languages on Star Sports & streaming on JioHotstar.

• Emerging superstars – Players like Pardeep Narwal, Naveen Kumar, Fazel Atrachali, and Aslam Inamdar have become household names.

• Proudly Indian – It’s a sport invented in India, and PKL brought it to the global stage.

Real-Life Impact: More Than Just a Game

The Pro Kabaddi League has done more than entertain, it has created careers. Many players come from rural backgrounds and humble beginnings. PKL gives them:

• Professional contracts and income

• Recognition and fame

• Opportunities to play for India in international kabaddi

For example, Pardeep Narwal, one of the league’s top raiders, came from a small village in Haryana. Today, he’s a national hero and one of the most expensive players in PKL history.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Even though the league is a big hit, it still has room to grow.

Challenges:

• Limited international reach (kabaddi is still growing globally)

• Fewer international players compared to other leagues

• Short season duration (usually 2-3 months)

What’s Next:

• More youth development and school-level kabaddi programs

• Expansion into more Indian cities

• Greater digital content and fan engagement

• Potential international franchise teams in the future

Final Thoughts

The Pro Kabaddi League is a shining example of how a traditional Indian sport can become a modern success story. It celebrates raw athleticism, homegrown talent, and regional pride, all packed into thrilling 30-minute matches.

Whether you’re watching for the tackles, the raids, or just the adrenaline rush and there’s something in it for every sports fan.

So next time you’re flipping through sports channels or scrolling through highlights, give kabaddi a shot. Who knows you might just become a fan.