PKL Season 12 Auction: All You Need to Know About New FBM Card

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 Player Auction is just around the corner. Scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, this event will see some of the biggest kabaddi stars, both Indian and international, go under the hammer. With over 500 players available, teams are ready to build their dream squads for PKL Season 12. Moreover, a new Final Bid Match (FBM) rule adds a fresh twist to the auction, making it a must-watch event.

Why the PKL Season 12 Player Auction is Special

The PKL Season 12 Player Auction is a game-changer. For the first time ever, every champion player from Seasons 1 to 11 is up for grabs. This means teams have a golden opportunity to sign kabaddi legends who have shaped the league’s history. From record-breaking raiders to rock-solid defenders, the auction pool is packed with talent.

Here’s a quick look at the past champion players available in the PKL Season 12 Player Auction:

• Season 1: Maninder Singh
• Season 2: Fazel Atrachali
• Seasons 3, 4, 5: Pardeep Narwal
• Season 6: Pawan Sehrawat
• Season 7: Maninder Singh
• Season 8: Naveen Kumar
• Season 9: Arjun Deshwal
• Seasons 10 & 11: Mohammadreza Shadloui

Additionally, stars like Ashu Malik, Devank Dalal (PKL 11’s top raider), and Naveen Kumar, who is entering the auction for the first time after six seasons with Dabang Delhi K.C., make this event even more exciting. With such a star-studded lineup, the PKL 12 Auction promises intense bidding wars.

What’s New in the PKL Season 12 Player Auction?

This year, the PKL Season 12 Player Auction introduces an updated Final Bid Match (FBM) rule, which is a big change for teams and fans alike. Previously, teams could only retain a player for one season using the FBM rule. Now, franchises can choose to retain a player for one or two seasons when exercising their FBM. This change allows teams to plan for the long term and build stronger, more stable squads.

How Does the New FBM Rule Work?

The FBM rule is simple but exciting. Here’s how it works:

• When a player from a team’s Season 11 squad gets the highest bid from another franchise, the auctioneer asks the player’s previous team if they want to use their FBM.
• If the team decides to use the FBM, they raise either a one-season or two-season FBM card. The first card raised is final.
• If the team uses the FBM, they get the player at the final bid price. If not, the player goes to the highest bidder.

This updated rule adds strategy to the PKL Season 12 Player Auction, as teams must decide whether to secure a player for one or two seasons.

How Many FBMs Can Each Team Use?

The number of FBM cards a team can use depends on how many Elite Retained Players (ERPs) they’ve kept:

• 6 ERPs retained: 1 FBM
• 5 ERPs retained: 2 FBMs
• 4 or fewer ERPs retained: 3 FBMs

For the PKL Season 12 Player Auction, all teams can use up to 3 FBMs, except UP Yoddhas, who are eligible for 2 FBMs. This setup ensures teams have flexibility to retain key players while also bidding for new talent.

Players Retained for PKL Season 12

Before the PKL Season 12 Player Auction, teams have already retained 83 players across three categories:

• 25 Elite Retained Players (ERPs): Experienced players who form the core of the team.
• 23 Retained Young Players (RYPs): Young talent with potential to shine.
• 35 New Young Players (NYPs): Fresh faces ready to make their mark.

With these retentions, there are still 217 slots open for teams to fill during the PKL Season 12 Player Auction.

Squad Size and Salary Purse

Each team can have a squad of at least 18 players and a maximum of 25 players. Additionally, teams must include at least 2 and maximum of 4 overseas players to their lineups. 

Every franchise starts with a salary purse of ₹5 crores, which is adjusted based on the players already retained. This means teams need to strategize carefully to balance their budgets while bidding for top stars in the PKL Season 12 Player Auction.

Player Categories and Base Prices

Players in the PKL Season 12 Player Auction are divided into four categories based on their base prices:

• Category A: ₹30 lakh
• Category B: ₹20 lakh
• Category C: ₹13 lakh
• Category D: ₹9 lakh

Each category is further split into Raiders, Defenders, and All-Rounders. This setup helps teams pick players that fit their game plan, whether they need a strong raider, a tough defender, or a versatile all-rounder.

Who Are the Auctioneers?

The PKL Season 12 Player Auction will be led by two well-known auctioneers:

• May 31 (Day 1): Charu Sharma, a respected figure in Indian sports and co-founder of PKL, will kick off the auction.
• June 1 (Day 2): Mallika Sagar, who debuted as a PKL auctioneer in Season 10 and has also worked in the IPL and WPL, will take charge.

Their experience ensures the PKL Season 12 Player Auction runs smoothly and keeps fans engaged.

Where to Watch the PKL Season 12 Player Auction

Fans can catch the PKL Season 12 Player Auction live on May 31 from 7 PM onwards for Category A and B proceedings. For real-time updates on both days (May 31 and June 1), check out Auction Adda on KabaddiAdda.com. You can also follow @kabaddiadda on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X for the latest news and highlights from the PKL Season 12 Player Auction.

Why the PKL Season 12 Player Auction is a Must-Watch

The PKL Season 12 Player Auction is set to be a thrilling event for several reasons. First, the chance to see every champion player from Seasons 1 to 11 in the auction pool is a historic moment. Second, the updated FBM rule adds a layer of strategy, as teams decide whether to retain players for one or two seasons. Finally, with stars like Pawan Sehrawat, Fazel Atrachali, Pardeep Narwal, and Naveen Kumar up for grabs, the bidding wars will be intense.

Moreover, the PKL Season 12 Player Auction is a chance for the 12 franchises to reassemble their squads. Whether you’re a die-hard kabaddi fan or new to the sport, this auction is the perfect way to see how your favorite teams prepare for PKL Season 12.

With the PKL Season 12 Player Auction setting the tone, the upcoming season is sure to be action-packed. Teams will use their new squads to compete for the coveted PKL title. The combination of experienced champions, young talent, and international stars ensures that PKL Season 12 will deliver thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.

The PKL Season 12 Player Auction is more than just an event – it’s the start of a new chapter in kabaddi. With new rules, a massive player pool, and intense bidding, this auction is a must-watch for every kabaddi fan. So, get ready for the PKL 12 Auction on May 31 and June 1, 2025.

FAQs About the PKL Season 12 Player Auction

1. When and where is the PKL Season 12 Player Auction happening?

The PKL Season 12 Player Auction will take place on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai.

2. What is the new FBM rule in the PKL Season 12 Player Auction?

The updated Final Bid Match (FBM) rule allows teams to retain a player for one or two seasons when exercising their FBM, instead of just one season as in previous years.

3. Where can I watch the PKL Season 12 Player Auction live?

You can watch the PKL Season 12 Player Auction on KabaddiAdda on May 31 from 7 PM. For live updates on both days, visit KabaddiAdda.com or follow @kabaddiadda on social media