Pro-Kabaddi Season 5 to start on July 28

The opening contest between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas will be played in Hyderabad while Chennai will host the final game.

Super Playoffs will be introduced for the first time, featuring top three finishers in each group, divided into qualifier and eliminator games.

Chennai will host the final game of Vivo Pro Kabaddi (PK) Season Five, apart from play-off/eliminator matches. Mumbai will host another set of playoff/eliminators, while the 2017 edition will kick off in Hyderabad with a contest between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas on July 28.

Super Playoffs will be introduced for the first time, featuring top three finishers in each group, divided into qualifier and eliminator games. Tamil Thalaivas, one of four new franchises in PK 2017, is placed in Zone B. Debutant UP Yoddhas, Bengal Warriors, Patna Pirates, Telugu Titans complete the group.

Haryana Steelers and Gujarat Fortune Giants, two other new entrants, are placed in Zone A against U Mumba, Puneri Paltan, Jaipur Pink Panhers and Dabang Delhi. Each of the 12 squads will play 22 matches  (15 games with rivals in same zone and seven ties across zone). The franchise-based kabaddi event, held across 12 cities in the fifth season and conducted by Mashal Sports and Star Sports, will conclude on October 28. Anupam Goswami, League Commissioner, stated: “Our goal was to create a high-impact tournament and invoke euphoric sentiment among fans for their favorite teams.”

The re-arrangement of squads this season adds to the excitement as coaches and captains adapt to changes. Rahul Chaudhari  and Ajay Thakur will lead Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas respectively in the opener. Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Chennai and  Haryana are the new venues hosting PK 2017 matches.