PKL 2025: Coaches Manpreet Singh, Anup Kumar welcome new format changes

The significant format changes introduced for Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) got a vote of approval from Haryana Steelers’ Manpreet Singh. The defending champion’s head coach believes that all teams will now have a greater chance at making the playoffs.

“As a league gets bigger, such format revisions almost become a necessity. I think the changes are great. Teams that lag have a chance till the very end to make a comeback and keep fighting for the title. Compared to the previous seasons, I think this campaign is going to be great because the game and those who play it have gotten faster. Fitness standards are incredible, and preparations have been going quite well,” he said in a media interaction.

Manpreet’s sentiments were echoed by his Patna Pirates counterpart Anup Kumar, who added that teams can now adjust to injury woes much better going forward.

EXPLAINED | What are the new rules, format introduced for PKL Season 2025

“The new rules have also allowed two more teams to progress in the tournament. Sometimes, if main players get injured and performances dip, especially during crucial phases of the league stage, teams sometimes miss out on qualifying. This additional opportunity of including two teams in the knockout bracket will give much relief to teams,” he said.

Ramesh embraces expectations

Among the big talking points heading into the new campaign is B.C. Ramesh’s move to Bengaluru Bulls, which parted ways with Randhir Singh Sehrawat, a seasoned coach who was with the side since the inaugural season and led it to the playoffs six times, winning the title once.

“There’s a lot of pressure on me. Everyone has the same hope that they had from previous teams – they think this team will also perform the same way. I have a big responsibility now as the coach of Bengaluru Bulls. Last year’s performance was very poor, which is why we created a new team with a different strategy.”

Published on Aug 26, 2025