'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAEAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgf/2gAIAQEAAAAAvqz/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oACAECEAAAAD//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oACAEDEAAAAB//xAAeEAACAgEFAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUREiFhUf/aAAgBAQABPwDVbFoajYC25gisVCdcdgT54Mou0lGu8h5O0asx+nbP/8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECMf/aAAgBAgEBPwCNZ//EABgRAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMR/9oACAEDAQE/AK2YsdM//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The sixth season of Pro Kabaddi League will commence on 7th October with Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas facing each other in the opening game. This league has been a huge success in the last 4 years since its inception and it is becoming bigger and stronger by each passing season. The last season itself made new records in terms of viewership. It is the most popular league in India after the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Indian Super League (ISL).
A total of 12 teams will be participating in the tournament making it the biggest franchise-based league in India, in terms of the number of teams. The tournament will last over three months, during which a total of 138 matches will be played. Fans are eagerly waiting to see their favourite players back in action. But before that happens, let's take a brief look back at the previous five seasons of VIVO Pro Kabaddi League.
Season 1
The inaugural season of PKL was played from 26 July 2014 to 31 August 2014. Eight teams participated in the first edition and total 60 matches were played. Out of the 8 teams, four advanced to the Playoff Stage - Jaipur Pink Panthers, U Mumba, Patna Pirates and Bengaluru Bulls. Jaipur Pink Panthers and U Mumba further progressed to the finals after defeating Patna Pirates and Bengaluru Bulls.
The Jaipur-based franchise won the trophy by beating U Mumba by 11 points in the finals. The key players that helped Jaipur clinch the title were Maninder Singh, Jasvir Singh, Rajesh Narwal, Rohit Rana and Prashant Chavan. U Mumba captain Anup Kumar was named the most valuable player, while Telugu Titans’ Rahul Chaudhari was adjudged the best raider.
Season 2
After the roaring success of the season 1, PKL returned for the second season on 18th July 2015. The format of the tournament was same as in its previous edition - 8 teams and a total of 60 matches. U Mumba, Bengaluru and Patna all reached the playoffs again, with Telugu Titans joining the three. U Mumba and Bengaluru Bulls faced each other in the final in which Shabbir Bapu’s heroics helped U Mumba bag their first title as they edged out the Bulls 36-30.
With 114 raid points, Kashiling Adake of Dabang Delhi was season's top raider while his teammate Ravinder Pahal was the best defender with 60 tackle points. Mohit Chhillar, who played a pivotal role in U Mumba’s success, was named the most valuable player.
Season 3
After astounding success in the season 2, Pro Kabaddi League made its much-awaited return for a third season from 30 January 2016, just five months after completion of the second season. U Mumba reached the final again for the third time in a row but failed to defend their title this time. Patna Pirates, after two successive semis defeats previously, were particularly motivated this time and reached their maiden final, where they trumped U Mumba by 31-28.
Pardeep Narwal accumulated a whopping 116 raid points for the champions and was the top raider of the season. Manjeet Chhillar was adjudged the best defender for a total of 61 tackle points.
Season 4
The organizers decided to have two seasons in 2016 and the second of those kicked off in June 2016. The decision was welcomed by all teams, players and fans with open arms.
To the surprise of all, three-time finalist U Mumba failed to make it to the playoffs this time. However, the defending champions Patna Pirates were again in sublime form right from the beginning and went on to lift their second trophy in style. The other finalist Jaipur Pink Panthers, who were also looking for their second title, posed a genuine threat to the Pirates but ended up being short by 8 points.
Rahul Chaudhari was the best raider with 146 raid points while Fazel Atrachali accumulated 52 tackle points to be declared as the best defender. Pardeep Narwal was adjudged the most valuable player of the tournament who contributed 133 total points to his team.
Season 5
With the inclusion of 4 new teams namely UP Yoddha, Tamil Thalaivas, Haryana Steelers and Gujrat Fortunegiants, the number of teams participating in the event became 12. The format of the tournament also got changed and this season saw a total of 138 games spanning over more than three months.
The 12 teams were divided into two groups of six each. Each team played 22 matches in the league stage and top three teams from each group advanced to the next round of the tournament - the playoffs. After playoff matches, Patna Pirates and Gujrat Fortunegiants progressed to the final in which Patna defeated Gujrat by 55-38.
Pardeep Narwal smashed all records by scoring 369 points for Patna Pirates. Surender Nada of Haryana Steelers was the most successful defender with 80 tackle points.
