New Delhi: Ahead of the 12th season of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), the governing body has revamped the playoff structure to increase action throughout the tournament. Apart from revamping the playoffs structure, PKL has also introduced the golden raid in all league matches. The much-anticipated season would be hosted by Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai, and Vizag.

The league stage matches have been reduced from 132 matches to 108 to maintain high-intensity performances from all sides. Previously, every team played twice against one team engaging in a total of 22 matches in the league stage, but now each team will play only 18 matches in the league stage.

PKL included the golden raid rule in the league stage in contrast to the format being used in playoff matches earlier. This new feature will guarantee a decisive winner of every match, and no team will share a point in the league stage.

The tie match doesn’t go directly to the golden raid, as, firstly, a five-raid shootout will proceed after the tie match. In the shootout, the baulk line will become the bonus line to ensure that points will count regularly.

Among some other revamped rules, no revivals and out rule will be applied in the shootout, and every time a raider goes for a raid, seven players will defend their side. If the scores are still tied after five raids, then the golden raid will come into action. If both teams’ scores remain tied after golden raids, then the match winner will be decided by a toss.

The points table system is also simplified by PKL as in the 12th season, every team will be awarded two points and zero points for a loss. This new point system will make it easier for new Kabaddi fans to understand the game. Earlier, five points were awarded for a win, and if a team lost the game by seven points or fewer, then they got one point.

PKL also introduces new play-ins and restructured the playoff format. Previously, the top six teams were qualified for the playoffs, but now, with the introduction of the play-in, the top eight teams will qualify for the playoffs. This will enhance the importance of every match in the league stage.

In the new structure, the teams finishing from fifth to eighth position will go against each other in the play-in matches, and the winners will progress to the Eliminators.

The third and fourth place teams will battle out against each other in a mini-qualifier, where the winner progresses to Eliminator 3 and the loser will Eliminator 2. The top-2 teams will face off in Qualifier 1, and the winner will directly move to the final, and the loser will get another opportunity to play in the finals.