Pro Kabaddi 2022: PKL 9 Playoffs date, format, teams, venue and more

The 9^th season of Pro Kabaddi League  is drawing towards an end. And we are moving ever so closer to the playoffs of PKL9. But before we do that, do you know what really the PKL Playoffs are? How many teams are involved and how it is played?

Well, if you have these questions in your mind, then read along as we will guide you through the mayhem of the Playoffs of PKL9.

In this article, you will get to know the format of PKL playoffs, teams involved in PKL9 playoffs, and also the venue and dates of the same. So without further ado, let’s dive into it.

What is PKL9 playoffs?

The very first and fundamental question that needs to be answered is what is exactly a playoff in PKL? We mean why is there no direct qualification for the semi-finals like there used to be some 5 seasons ago?

Well, the answer to this question is very simple. Around five seasons ago, the number of teams partaking in the PKL was increased. And with this the criteria to reach the finals was also twitched a little, giving birth to what we know today as the PKL playoffs.

Format of PKL9 Playoffs

The playoff format of PKL9 is relatively simpler than many sports out there. If you are accustomed to the playoffs in IPL, the format of PKL will seem rather simple to you.

In PKL too there are 4 teams that partake in the playoffs. But they don’t fight off for a place in the finals itself. Rather, these four teams play among themselves in virtual eliminators to reach the semifinals.

Yes, a total of 6 teams qualifies from the group stage of PKL for the playoffs but only 4 participate in it as top 2 teams are already granted a place in the semifinals. Hence the remaining four teams fight among themselves to reach the semifinals.

There they face off with the Number 1 and Number 2 ranked team of the league table respectively.

Which are the 6 teams qualified for the PKL9 Playoffs?

As mentioned earlier, the top 6 teams of the league qualify for the playoffs. And here is the comprehensive list of these teams.

Jaipur and Puneri Paltan have been the runaway winners from the league stage of PKL9. After the midway mark of the season, it was mooted that they would be the first to qualify for the playoffs. The only question was on which position would they make it? As the threat of Bengaluru Bulls spoiling their party was looming large.

However, as is always seen, Bengaluru suffered a slump towards the closing stages of the league. as a result, they failed to make it to the semifinals, making it easier for both Pune and Jaipur to make it to the semifinals of PKL9.

Bengaluru bulls on the other hand easily made it to the Playoffs of PKL9. And along with them was UP Yoddhas, they too were some of the easily qualified teams. On the other hand, Dabang Delhi who had a flying start to the season had to wait for other results to go in their favor. And they did, hence, Dabang Delhi also find themselves in the Playoffs.

One team in particular that stood among the rest is Tamil Thalivas. Playing in their fourth season, this is the first time that they had made it to the playoffs of PKL. And that too in some style, considering the bad start they had to the season.

What are the Fixtures and Venues of PKL9 Playoffs?

The playoffs shall be played in two legs. The first leg or Eliminator 1 will include teams like Bengaluru bulls that finished 3^rd on the table going against Dabang Delhi, the 6^th positioned team.

Similarly, the second Eliminator will see UP Yoddhas take on first timers Tamil  Thalivas.