Mashal Sports, organisers of the Pro Kabaddi League, have announced the schedule of the first half for Season 8 that will begin from December 22nd. The entire season will be conducted at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre without spectators.
The first four days of the league will see 'Triple Headers' being played.
PKL Season 8 will begin with U Mumba facing Bengaluru Bulls in the tournament opener at 7:30 pm. The League's 'Southern Derby' will then take centre-stage as Telugu Titans lock horns with Tamil Thalaivas in the second match. UP Yoddha will then face the defending champions Bengal Warriors in the last match of the opening day.
Season 8 will see Triple Headers on all Saturdays through the course of the tournament. The release of the season's second-part schedule by mid-January is also expected to help PKL Teams assess and rebuild their competition strategies for the second half of the tournament.
Speaking about the schedule being released in two phases, Anupam Goswami, CEO, Mashal Sports and League Commissioner, Pro Kabaddi League, said, "The Pro Kabaddi League is known for reinvigorating and popularizing India's own sport of kabaddi, and with the new format, we aim to continue reinventing the sport. Releasing the schedule in two halves will help teams strategize better and keep the fans engaged. The triple headers and "Triple Panga" will provide more fans more opportunities to watch their favourite players and teams in action as they battle it out for the coveted title."
Keeping the health and safety of players in mind, Mashal Sports will be undertaking the task of converting the entire venue at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre into a single integrated and secure bio-bubble. With this unique setup, all 12 teams will be staying and playing at the same venue as Mashal Sports is focusing on following and adhering to the safety protocols set by the authorities.