The Kabaddi Champions League is set for a major expansion in its second season, with two new Haryana-based franchises joining the competition. Jind Jaguars and Kurukshetra Knights have been added to the league, taking the total number of teams from eight to 10 ahead of the Kabaddi Champions League Season 2 campaign.
The expansion was announced during the Season 2 launch event in New Delhi. KCL Chairman and Asian Games gold medal winning coach Balwan Singh, Dronacharya Awardee coach KK Hooda, brand ambassador Rajesh Narwal and former national coach Rambir Singh Khokhar were among the prominent figures present at the event.
KCL Season 2 Teams
The addition of Jind Jaguars and Kurukshetra Knights means the KCL Season 2 teams will now represent 10 major districts across Haryana’s kabaddi belt. The two new franchises join inaugural champions Rohtak Royals, runners-up Bhiwani Bulls, Sonipat Stars, Karnal Kings, Hisar Heroes, Gurugram Gurus, Faridabad Fighters and Panipat Panthers.
Rohtak Royals enter the new campaign as the defending champions after beating Bhiwani Bulls 32–30 in the Season 1 final. The expanded competition is expected to provide opportunities for more players from Haryana’s strong grassroots kabaddi system.
Kurukshetra Knights Bring Local Connection
Kurukshetra Knights are owned by entrepreneur Sanchit Garg, who became interested in the league after following Sonipat Stars during its inaugural season. The franchise also has a personal connection for Garg, as Kurukshetra is his family’s ancestral home.
The introduction of the two new teams is designed to deepen the league’s talent pipeline. Organisers have highlighted the importance of connecting players from rural kabaddi backgrounds with professional competition, allowing young athletes to make the transition from traditional clay pits to modern synthetic mats.
Kabaddi Champions League 2026 Expansion
The Kabaddi Champions League 2026 season will build on the structure established during the inaugural campaign. Season 1 featured an eight-team field with a 12-day round-robin phase followed by the knockout stages.
Season 2 will have an expanded round-robin structure because of the increase to 10 franchises. The competition has also gained greater national recognition after nine members of India’s 12-player men’s Asian Games 2026 squad emerged through the KCL ecosystem.
Several KCL players are currently on national duty at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Ashu Malik, Ayan Lohchab, Devank Dalal and Sunil Malik are among the players representing India.
KCL Season 2 Schedule Still Pending
The KCL Season 2 schedule has not yet been finalised. The league administration is currently working on the player auction window, where franchises will build their squads by recruiting junior and senior players across state categories.
The exact match dates and venues are expected to be announced after the conclusion of the 2026 Asian Games. This timing will allow the competition to incorporate several of its leading players once their national commitments are completed.
With 10 franchises, a wider talent pool and growing links to India’s national team pathway, Season 2 represents another important stage in the development of the Kabaddi Champions League. The arrival of Jind Jaguars and Kurukshetra Knights adds further depth to a competition that is increasingly positioning itself as a platform for emerging Indian kabaddi talent.
