When Pro Kabaddi League wrapped up its 2024‑25 Season 11 on December 29, 2024, Haryana Steelers clinched the championship by edging Patna Pirates 32‑23 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi. The final showdown, played under bright lights and a buzzing crowd, capped a whirlwind season that saw twelve franchises battle across three Indian cities.
Season Overview and Multi‑Leg Format
The league kicked off on October 18, 2024, from the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex – better known as the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium – in Hyderabad. Twelve teams opened the campaign with a double‑header: the home‑based Telugu Titans faced the Bengaluru Bulls, followed by Dabang Delhi K.C. taking on U Mumba. The schedule was split into “legs” – Leg 1 in Hyderabad, Leg 2 in Noida, and the final leg in Delhi – allowing fans from the north, south, east and west to catch the action live.
Key Matches and Results Through the League Stage
While the opening matches set the tone, a series of nail‑biting fixtures defined the league table. On November 30, Jaipur Pink Panthers thundered past the Telugu Titans 41‑28, showing why they’ve been a perennial contender. The very next day, Dabang Delhi K.C. edged Tamil Thalaivas 32‑21 in a clash that highlighted the growing depth of the Delhi side.
Mid‑season, the points table became a seesaw. Match 88 (Dec 1) saw a dead‑heat: Bengaluru Bulls and Patna Pirates each posted 32 points, though the Bulls needed five raids to the Pirates’ six. A week later, Match 90 delivered a statement win – Haryana Steelers posted a massive 53‑26 victory over UP Yoddhas, underscoring the steel‑city team’s defensive grit.
Playoffs: From Eliminators to the Grand Finale
The knockout phase began on December 26. In Eliminator 1, UP Yoddhas demolished the Jaipur Pink Panthers 46‑18, while Eliminator 2 featured a tighter duel: Patna Pirates slipped past U Mumba 31‑23.
December 27 produced two semi‑finals. The first saw Haryana Steelers scrape past UP Yoddhas 28‑25, a match that turned on a single raid in the dying minutes. The second semi‑final was a classic showdown between Patna Pirates and Dabang Delhi K.C.; the Pirates prevailed 32‑28, booking their spot in the final.
Finally, on December 29, the championship match unfolded. Haryana Steelers established an early lead, capitalized on a crucial tackle by Nitesh Kumar, and held off a late surge from Patna Pirates. The 32‑23 scoreline crowned the Steelers as Season 11 champions.
Star Performers: Raid and Tackle Leaders
Individual brilliance shone throughout the campaign. Devank Dalal topped the raid‑point charts with 237 points, combining swift footwork with a knack for surprise raiding. On the defensive side, Nitesh Kumar led tackles with 60, anchoring the Steelers’ backline and often turning the tide in close games.
Other notable mentions include Jasprit Singh of the Puneri Paltan, who logged 15 super‑raids, and Manjeet Singh of the Gujarat Giants, whose 55 tackle points placed him among the league’s top defenders.
Impact on Kabaddi’s Growth and What’s Next
Season 11 reinforced the PKL’s role as a catalyst for kabaddi’s popularity beyond rural strongholds. Television ratings, tracked by ESPN, surged 12% compared with Season 10, while streaming on Disney+ Hotstar logged an additional 4.5 million concurrent views during the final.
The Indian Olympic Association, the league’s governing body, has pledged to expand the franchise model to twelve more cities by 2027, aiming to tap new talent pools and boost grassroots participation. Moreover, the multi‑leg format, which brings live matches to diverse venues, has spurred local economies – hotels in Hyderabad reported a 15% occupancy rise during Leg 1.
Looking ahead, the league has already announced the schedule for Season 12, slated to start in October 2025. The upcoming draft will see a fresh batch of players, including several stand‑outs from the junior circuit, entering the professional arena.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Champion: Haryana Steelers (32‑23 over Patna Pirates)
- Top raider: Devank Dalal – 237 raid points
- Top tackler: Nitesh Kumar – 60 tackle points
- Final venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi
- Season spanned three legs – Hyderabad, Noida, Delhi
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the multi‑leg format affect team performances?
Traveling between Hyderabad, Noida and Delhi forced squads to adapt quickly to different venues and fan atmospheres. Teams with deeper benches, like Haryana Steelers, managed rotation better, which reflected in their consistency across legs.
What were the biggest upsets of Season 11?
UP Yoddhas’ 46‑18 demolition of Jaipur Pink Panthers in Eliminator 1 stunned many, as the Panthers had been top‑four throughout the league stage. Likewise, Haryana Steelers’ 53‑26 thrashing of the same Yoddhas in the regular season remains a record margin.
Who are the emerging talents to watch in the next season?
Young raider Arjun Reddy of the Bengal Warriorz, who logged 120 raid points in just 8 matches, and defender Rohit Kumar of the Gujarat Giants, with a 58% tackle success rate, are earmarked as breakout stars for 2025.
How does PKL’s viewership compare internationally?
According to ESPN’s post‑season report, overseas streaming grew 18% year‑on‑year, with notable spikes in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United Arab Emirates – indicating the league’s expanding global footprint.
What role does the Indian Olympic Association play in PKL?
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) oversees the league’s compliance with national sport policies, ensures player welfare standards, and collaborates on talent‑identification programs that feed into the national kabaddi team.
