JIOSTAR, the exclusive broadcast and digital partner of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has announced that fans can watch every raid and tackle live on the Star Sports Network and JioHotstar, with season 12 set to deliver fresh formats, expanded coverage and broadcast features.
For the first time, PKL will be broadcast in eight languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi, along with two new additions — Haryanvi and Bhojpuri. With kabaddi enjoying immense popularity in northern India, the Haryanvi feed is expected to resonate strongly with local audiences, while Bhojpuri — already a proven success in cricket — will extend the sport’s reach into one of India’s fastest-growing language markets, per the release.
The commentary lineup blends celebrated voices with former stars. Ravi Kishan leads the Bhojpuri feed, while former coach Srinivas Reddy features on the Telugu feed. The Tamil feed includes 2019 champion K. Prapanjan, while U-Mumba winners Mohit Chhillar (Haryanvi) and Vishal Mane (Marathi), former India women’s captain Mamatha Poojary (Kannada), and raider Rishank Devadiga bring depth and expertise. Renowned voices such as Sunil Taneja, Vrajesh Hirjee, Padamjeet Sehrawat, NC Kaushik, and Chaitanya Sant will further enrich the storytelling.
Season 12 will also debut immersive broadcast innovations. Two new dugout views will capture the intensity on the sidelines, while a split-screen feature will allow fans to follow live action alongside revival sequences. Adding further drama, a ‘Referee Cam’ will provide a unique first-person perspective of the action, switching between bodycam and live play in real time.
JioStar head, audience engagement, viewership and monetization initiative Siddharth Sharma said, “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.”
Season kicks off in Vizag on National Sports Day
Season 12 kicks off on 29 August, which is also the National Sports Day of India, with a southern derby as Telugu Titans take on Tamil Thalaivas in Vizag in Andhra Pradesh. The league returns to the port city after a gap of seven years.
Speaking on the occasion, Anupam Goswami, Business head of Mashal and League chairman, Pro Kabaddi League, said: “We are thrilled to return for another season of the PKL – with an all-new format that is designed to bring fans even closer to the action. Every match will carry greater importance, increasing the intensity of this season, as we are see the league make a much-awaited return to Vizag. We also celebrate our National Sports Day tomorrow (Friday) with the league honouring legendary athletes, and to kickstart this edition on such an auspicious occasion feels incredibly exciting.”
PKL Season 12 will begin in Vizag (August 29 to September 11), after which it moves to Jaipur (September 12 to September 28), Chennai (September 29 to October 10), and New Delhi (October 11 to October 23).
A venue for the playoffs and grand finale is yet to be decided.
