The introduction of the Golden Raid Rule in Pro Kabaddi League Season (PKL 12) has added a whole new level of excitement- and finality- to its closing minutes. Fans can expect high adrenaline, edge-of-the-seat thrillers, and breathtaking moments.
No more stalemates. No more shared points. Every match has a clear winner, thanks to this dynamic tie-breaker system in IPL 12.
What is the Golden Raid?
The Golden Raid has been introduced as a tie-breaker in case a match ends in a draw. It is a sudden-death raid where one team gets a single chance to raid. If they score, they win. If they fail, the defending team takes the victory. If the raid ends in a complete stalemate- with no score and no tackle- then the game is decided by the ultimate arbiter of fate: a toss.
It’s kabaddi’s equivalent of football’s golden goal or cricket’s Super Over.
How Does It Work?
The Golden Raid is just one part of the list of changes brought to the format in PKL 12. It is introduced in the following steps:
Five-Raid Shootout
-Each team fields seven players.
– Five different raiders from each team take alternate raids.
-The baulk line acts as the bonus line, making it easier to score.
-Only raid points are counted-no player outs, no revivals.
-If one team scores more, they win.
Golden Raid
-Still tied after five raids? A fresh toss is held.
-The toss winner chooses to raid or defend.
One raid. One chance. One winner.
-If the raider scores, their team wins.
-If the defenders stop the raid without conceding a point, they win.
-If it’s a draw (no score either way), go to…
The Final Toss
-If even the Golden Raid fails to separate the teams, a final toss decides the winner.
Early Golden Raids In Play In PKL 12
Dabang Delhi K.C. etched a stunning win against Puneri Paltan in a thrilling contest that went to the Golden Raid at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag on Thursday. Ashu Malik scored yet another Super 10, while Fazel Atrachali got a High Five as the two sides took the score to 28-28 and forced a tie-breaker.
The Tie-Breaker saw both teams exchange points, with Paltan taking a 1-0 lead before Dabang Delhi equalised. The scores remained neck and neck, ending 5-5 after the set of raids, pushing the match into a Golden Raid.
Winning the toss, Dabang Delhi handed the responsibility to Ashu Malik. The skipper held his nerves, earning a Bonus Point as well as a Touch Point on Gaurav Khatri. This impressive raid, coupled with his Super 10, sealed the win for Dabang Delhi in what turned out to be a thrilling finish.
Also Read: List Of 16 Big Individual And Team Records In PKL History
No More Draws, No More Bonus Points
In a major format change, PKL now eliminates the possibility of draws altogether, even during the league stage. Each match must produce a winner.
- No bonus points are awarded for close defeats.
- League tables are cleaner and easier to follow.
- Teams must play for the win- every time.
What It Means for Fans
For fans, it means more drama and as there is a definite outcome of the match. The games go down to the wire with nail-biting finishes.
