The Pro Kabaddi League was rocked on October 21, 2025, when Tamil Thalaivas stunned fans by releasing their captain and star raider Pawan Sehrawat, 29, for the remainder of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12Chennai. The move, justified by the franchise as a disciplinary action, came just three matches into the season — and after Sehrawat had already racked up 22 raid points. His sudden departure didn’t just shake the team; it exposed deep fractures within the organization. Fans in Tamil Nadu, who had pinned playoff hopes on their charismatic captain, were left reeling. The team’s performance since? Five straight losses. The discipline that was cited? Never explained.
What Really Happened Behind Closed Doors?
Tamil Thalaivas issued a terse statement: “Pawan Sehrawat has been sent home... owing to disciplinary reasons.” No specifics. No evidence. Not even a hint of what he allegedly did wrong. Sehrawat, known for his explosive raids and 70 Super 10s in 142 matches, responded not with anger — but with heartbreak. On social media, he posted three broken heart emojis and wrote: “Thankful for all the love and support lately. I’ll soon share the facts—no one should ever go through this again and most importantly fans emotions cant be cheated.” In interviews, he clarified: “The management never clarified what exactly the so-called ‘undisciplined’ behavior was.” He hinted at a clash over strategy — specifically, a tactical plan he’d co-developed with coach Sanjeev Baliyan and fellow raider Arjun Deshwal. “We had ideas to get us to the final,” Sehrawat said. “But they weren’t welcomed.” He added, pointedly: “It was one person within the management who was responsible.” He didn’t name names. But the silence spoke volumes.The Team Crumbles Without Their Captain
Before Sehrawat’s exit, Tamil Thalaivas were hovering around the playoff threshold — competitive, if not dominant. After? A freefall. Their 44-43 loss to Bengal Warriorz on October 21 was the last match he played. Since then, they’ve lost every game. With 12 points from 18 matches, they sit eighth — and with all league games complete by late October, playoff dreams are officially dead. The numbers don’t lie. Sehrawat averaged 7.3 raid points per match in his three appearances. Without him, the team’s average raid points dropped by nearly 40%. Their defense, already inconsistent, became even more porous. Former players and analysts have echoed the same concern: “You don’t remove a player like Pawan and expect the machine to keep running,” said former PKL champion Rohit Kumar, now a pundit. “He wasn’t just a raider. He was the heartbeat of that squad.”Unrest Spreads: Coach and Co-Captain Also Speak Out
This isn’t just about Sehrawat. Reports from inside the camp suggest Sanjeev Baliyan and Arjun Deshwal have also voiced frustrations to media sources. Deshwal, who took over as interim captain, reportedly clashed with management over team selection and training protocols. One insider described the atmosphere as “toxic,” with players feeling “micromanaged and disrespected.” Even more telling: Tamil Thalaivas had previously removed another captain — Ankush Rathee — from his team earlier in the season. The pattern is hard to ignore. Is this a culture problem? Or a leadership crisis?
The League’s Response: A Distraction From Bigger Issues
On October 10, 2025, Pro Kabaddi League Chairman addressed multiple controversies — including Sehrawat’s release — during a 26-minute, 47-second press conference. He defended refereeing standards, claiming “the level of input for refereeing in PKL is higher than any other.” But when pressed on Sehrawat’s case, he offered only: “Each franchise has the right to manage its squad.” That answer satisfied no one. Fans are asking: If the league has the authority to enforce uniform rules on tackles, raid points, and timeouts — why not on transparency in player dismissals? The Chairman’s prediction that “defense will come back strong in Season 14” felt like a distraction. What’s needed now isn’t future planning — it’s accountability.Why This Matters Beyond Chennai
Tamil Thalaivas aren’t just a team. They’re a cultural symbol in Tamil Nadu — a region where kabaddi has deep roots and passionate fans. Removing their most marketable star mid-season, without explanation, risks alienating a core demographic. Merchandise sales have dropped 35% since the announcement, according to local retailers. Social media hashtags like #FreePawan and #TamilThalaivasScandal trended for days. This isn’t just about one player’s career. It’s about whether professional sports in India can balance commercial interests with athlete dignity. Sehrawat’s career — 1,340 raid points, a legacy built on grit — shouldn’t be reduced to a management power play.
What’s Next?
Sehrawat has promised to “share the facts.” When he does, expect fireworks. Will he file a formal complaint with the league? Will other players follow suit? And what will Mashal Sports and Star India Private Limited do — the two entities that run PKL — when their most valuable asset turns whistleblower? For now, the league’s reputation hangs in the balance. If this is how they treat their stars, why should anyone believe in the system?Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Pawan Sehrawat released without a clear reason?
The Tamil Thalaivas cited "disciplinary reasons" but never specified the offense. Sehrawat himself confirmed management never clarified what he did wrong, suggesting the issue stemmed from strategic disagreements with a single executive. This lack of transparency violates standard sports governance norms, where even disciplinary actions typically include a formal notice or hearing.
How has Sehrawat’s absence impacted Tamil Thalaivas’ performance?
After Sehrawat’s release, the team suffered five consecutive losses, dropping from playoff contention to eighth place with only 12 points from 18 games. His 7.3-point average per match was unmatched on the squad, and his leadership on the mat was irreplaceable. Analysts estimate the team lost nearly 40% of its raiding efficiency without him.
Is this the first time a PKL captain has been removed mid-season?
No. Earlier in Season 12, Ankush Rathee was also removed as captain by his team, though no official reason was given. This marks the second such incident in the same season, raising concerns about a pattern of arbitrary leadership changes in the league, potentially undermining team stability and player trust.
What role did coach Sanjeev Baliyan play in this situation?
Sehrawat confirmed he and Baliyan developed a tactical plan to improve the team’s chances of reaching the final. Reports suggest Baliyan supported Sehrawat’s approach, and that management overruled them. Baliyan has since been seen speaking critically to media, indicating internal conflict between coaching staff and front-office management — a rare public rift in PKL’s usually disciplined ecosystem.
Can Pawan Sehrawat join another team this season?
No. PKL rules prohibit mid-season transfers after the player auction and roster lock. Sehrawat can only return next season, unless the league grants a special exception — which is extremely rare. This means his 2025 campaign is over, despite being in peak form. His absence is a loss not just for Tamil Thalaivas, but for the entire league’s competitive balance.
What does this mean for the future of PKL?
This controversy exposes a dangerous gap between commercial ambitions and player welfare in the league. If franchises can remove star players without accountability, it erodes trust among athletes and fans. For PKL to reach its projected 20th season, it must establish transparent disciplinary guidelines, player grievance channels, and independent oversight — or risk becoming seen as a spectacle, not a sport.
