Mumbai: JioStar, the exclusive broadcast and digital partner for the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has announced a refreshed Season 12, introducing new languages, innovative broadcast features, and format changes to elevate the fan experience. Beginning August 29, every raid and tackle will be available live on the Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.
For the first time, PKL will be presented in eight languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, with two new additions — Bhojpuri and Haryanvi. The Bhojpuri feed will be headlined by Bhojpuri superstar Ravi Kishan, while Haryanvi commentary will bring the league closer to kabaddi’s heartland audiences.
The commentary roster also features a mix of celebrated voices and former stars: former coach Srinivas Reddy (Telugu), 2019 championship winner K. Prapanjan (Tamil), U-Mumba champions Mohit Chhillar (Haryanvi) and Vishal Mane (Marathi), former India women’s captain Mamatha Poojary (Kannada), and raider Rishank Devadiga, alongside well-known voices such as Sunil Taneja, Vrajesh Hirjee, Padamjeet Sehrawat, NC Kaushik, and Chaitanya Sant.
Season 12 also introduces immersive broadcast innovations. For the first time, two dugout views will capture the raw energy from the sidelines, while a split-screen feature will allow fans to watch live action alongside revival sequences. Adding further intensity, a ‘Referee Cam’ will provide a unique first-person perspective of the game, switching between live play and bodycam angles.
“Season 12 of PKL is about making the game more accessible and more engaging than ever. By presenting the league in eight languages, including Bhojpuri and Haryanvi for the first time, we are taking kabaddi deeper into its heartlands and closer to its fans. Combined with innovations like referee cam and dugout views, and a refreshed format that brings aggression to the fore, this season will deliver a richer and more immersive storytelling experience across platforms,” said Siddharth Sharma, Head, Audience Engagement, Viewership and Monetization Initiative, JioStar.
The competition format has also been refreshed. Matches ending in a tie during the league phase will now go into tie-breakers, ensuring every game produces a result. A ‘play-in’ phase has also been introduced between the league stage and playoffs: the top two teams will qualify directly, teams ranked 3rd and 4th will play a mini-qualifier, while those placed 5th to 8th will battle it out for the remaining playoff spots.
Season 12 begins on August 29 with a high-voltage southern derby between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas. Fans can catch all the action live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.
