The Pro Kabaddi League is set to return for its 13th season, with the new campaign expected to begin in late December 2026. While the official schedule is yet to be announced by Mashal Sports and the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India, reports suggest that the tournament could start between December 25 and December 27.
The expected winter window will bring the league back to a more traditional period after Season 12 was played earlier in the year. With several important events taking place during the autumn, organizers are likely to use the end of December for the next edition of one of India’s biggest kabaddi competitions.
PKL 13 Start Date and Expected Schedule
The PKL 13 start date is currently expected to fall between December 25 and December 27, 2026. However, fans will have to wait for an official announcement before the exact opening match and venue are confirmed.
The Pro Kabaddi League 2026 start date is expected to follow a busy preparation period. Player registration and retention activities are likely to take place during August and September. The player auction is then expected around the middle or latter part of October, with October 18 to 25 being the projected window.
Following the auction, teams are expected to hold pre-season camps throughout November and early December. These camps will allow players and coaches to work on fitness, combinations and tactics before the competition begins.
PKL Season 13 Schedule Roadmap
The PKL Season 13 schedule is expected to follow the popular caravan format used by the league. Under this system, teams travel between different home centres during the tournament, allowing supporters across the country to watch their local franchises.
The caravan format also means that organizers need enough time to plan travel, venues and match operations. A December start would provide the league with a clear window after the player auction and pre season camps.
The playoffs and final are expected to take place in late February or early March 2027. The exact dates, venues and opening fixtures will only become clear once the official schedule is released.
Dabang Delhi K.C. Enter as Defending Champions
Dabang Delhi K.C. will enter PKL 13 as the defending champions. Delhi defeated Puneri Paltan in the Season 12 final to win their second PKL title.
The franchise will look to build on that success while other teams will be determined to challenge their position. The player auction could once again play a major role in deciding which teams have the strongest squads.
Maninder Singh’s Record Chase
One of the biggest individual storylines heading into the new season will be Maninder Singh’s pursuit of Pardeep Narwal’s all time raid points record.
Maninder currently has 1,568 raid points and needs 234 more to move ahead of Narwal’s 1,801. If he receives regular playing time and remains one of his team’s main raiders, PKL 13 could become the season when he makes history.
What to Expect From PKL 13
The upcoming season promises another exciting battle between established stars and emerging players. Franchises are expected to target experienced overseas players such as Mohammadreza Shadloui and Fazel Atrachali while also investing in India’s young kabaddi talent.
For now, December 25 to 27 remains the expected window for the PKL 13 start date. Fans can look forward to the auction, pre-season camps and the official fixture announcement before Season 13 gets underway.
