Mumbai, August 21, 2025: Maharashtra’s Kabaddi giants Puneri Paltan and U Mumba are set to renew their classic rivalry in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12. With 32 players from Maharashtra—the second-highest representation from any state—this season promises high intensity and local pride at its peak.
Puneri Paltan will be led by Aslam Inamdar, who guided the team to the Season 10 title and became the first Maharashtrian captain to win PKL. Returning from injury, Inamdar is eager to deliver once again for Pune. On the other side, U Mumba captain Sunil Kumar, the league’s most successful skipper, has set his sights on taking the trophy back to Mumbai this season.
The battle on the sidelines is equally exciting, with Ajay Thakur taking charge as head coach of Puneri Paltan and Anil Chaprana returning as U Mumba’s head coach. Thakur aims to channel his playing experience into nurturing young talent, while Chaprana is focused on discipline, fearlessness, and instilling a never-give-up attitude in his squad.
PKL 12 kicks off on August 29 in Visakhapatnam, with Puneri Paltan facing Bengaluru Bulls on opening day. The highly anticipated Maharashtra Derby between Puneri Paltan and U Mumba will take place on September 18 at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium, Jaipur. Fans can catch all the action live on Star Sports Network and stream it on JioHotstar.
