Matters of pride as KCL readies to raid Haryana’s prime-time stage

MUMBAI: Whistle ready, mat rolled out, Haryana’s kabaddi heart is about to start pounding in prime time. The Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) has officially unveiled the match schedule for its much-awaited inaugural season, setting the tone for a fortnight of high-octane raids, tackles and regional bragging rights.

The first edition of the league will be staged at the Sports University of Haryana in Rai, running from January 25 to February 7, 2026. Designed as a nightly kabaddi ritual, league matches will be played across three prime-time slots 7.00 pm, 8.00 pm and 9.00 pm and broadcast live on Zee channels, DD Sports, YupTV and Wave OTT, alongside in-stadium action.

The opening night promises instant fireworks, with two derby-style clashes setting the pace. Sonipat Stars lock horns with Gurugram Gurus at 7.00 pm, followed by Rohtak Royals versus Karnal Kings at 8.00 pm, a double-header steeped in local rivalry and early momentum.

Across 12 league days, eight franchises Sonipat Stars, Gurugram Gurus, Hisar Heroes, Bhiwani Bulls, Rohtak Royals, Karnal Kings, Panipat Panthers and Faridabad Fighters will battle through a tightly packed schedule. The format is built for intensity rather than breathing space, with teams jostling nightly to secure knockout berths and a shot at becoming the first-ever KCL champions.

The league phase concludes on 5 February, before the stakes rise sharply. The semi-finals will be played on 6 February, leading into the grand final on 7 February, a date that could crown new kabaddi royalty in the state that has long defined the sport’s competitive spine.

Beyond the fixtures, the league positions itself as a bridge between grassroots grit and professional polish. With homegrown talent, familiar rivalries and a prime-time spotlight, KCL aims to turn Haryana’s everyday kabaddi culture into appointment viewing.

For fans, the message is clear, the schedule is out, the nights are booked, and the mat is about to do the talking.