The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 has taken a dramatic turn with one of its biggest controversies in recent years. The rift between Tamil Thalaivas and their star captain Pawan Sehrawat has not only surprised the kabaddi fraternity but has also left fans in shock. The very player whom the team trusted with the leadership mantle at the beginning of the season was shown the door mid-season – and that too citing “disciplinary reasons.“
Let’s dive deeper into what exactly happened, what the team said, how Pawan responded, and what it all could mean for the rest of the season.
Tamil Thalaivas’ Shocking Decision on Pawan
On September 13, 2025, Tamil Thalaivas released an official statement on their social media handles announcing that Pawan Sehrawat had been removed from the squad for the rest of the season. The reason? “Disciplinary issues.”
The team mentioned that the decision was made carefully and in accordance with the franchise’s Code of Conduct. This announcement spread like wildfire across the kabaddi community, as fans and experts alike found it hard to believe that a player like Pawan – known for his professionalism and game awareness – could be involved in something that warranted suspension.
Pawan Sehrawat’s Strong Response: “I’ll Quit Kabaddi if Proven Guilty”
Barely a day after the Thalaivas’ announcement, on Sunday, September 14, Pawan Sehrawat broke his silence through a heartfelt Instagram video. Calm yet firm in tone, Pawan addressed the allegations directly and rubbished the claims.“If I am found even 1% guilty of being indisciplined, I will quit kabaddi.”
He further emphasized that he understands the importance of discipline, having been a part of the Indian national team setup.
“I’ve represented India. I know what discipline means. If the team can prove that I have broken rules, I won’t step on a kabaddi mat again. I’m saying this with full respect.”
These are not just strong words, but a clear indication that Pawan is deeply hurt by the allegations. For someone of his stature to say he’d walk away from the sport shows how personal and serious the matter has become.
A Message to Fans and Tamil Thalaivas
Despite being dropped from the squad, Pawan didn’t let bitterness cloud his message. He thanked his fans for the overwhelming support and reassured them that he had done nothing wrong.
“Your love and prayers mean the world to me. I stand by my truth. I’ve done nothing wrong.”
In a surprising yet respectful gesture, he even wished Tamil Thalaivas well for the remainder of the season.
“I hope the team does well. All the best to the Thalaivas.”
He also reflected on his earlier stint with the team in Season 9, where he suffered an injury and had to undergo surgery. He thanked the franchise for supporting him during those difficult times.
Notably, he mentioned Coach Sanjeev Baliyan and Arjun Deshwal, calling Arjun his “younger brother”, and highlighted how they had made plans together to take the team forward. But he hinted that “some management reasons” led to things not going as planned.
What Did Tamil Thalaivas Say?
Tamil Thalaivas, on their part, have remained firm in their stance. According to their official post:
“Pawan Sehrawat has been released from the team due to disciplinary issues and will not be part of the remaining matches this season.”
They reiterated that the decision was taken in alignment with team policies and code of conduct. However, beyond this, the franchise has not provided detailed clarity on what the “disciplinary issues” actually were, which is one of the reasons why the controversy has gained such momentum.
The Bigger Impact: What This Means for the Team
Pawan was picked up by Tamil Thalaivas for a whopping ₹59.50 lakh in the PKL 2025 auction – a big investment by the franchise. He was not just a player but also the captain, and a key figure in their raiding unit.
In the three matches he played this season, he managed 22 raid points (19 touch, 3 bonus) and even pulled off one super raid, although he didn’t manage a Super 10 performance.
Now, with their captain gone, the pressure falls on Arjun Deshwal and young raiders to step up. So far, the team has had a mixed start — winning 2 out of their 4 matches and currently sitting 6th on the points table. They recently defeated Bengal Warriors with an impressive 46-36 margin, which has given them some breathing space.
But the road ahead is tough. The Thalaivas will now have to take on teams like Bengaluru Bulls, Telugu Titans, and 2 time champions Jaipur Pink Panthers – all of whom are strong contenders.
What’s Next in the Controversy?
Tamil Thalaivas are set to face Bengaluru Bulls on September 16 in Jaipur, and all eyes will be on this match – not just because of the gameplay, but to observe how the team performs without their former captain.
Meanwhile, the spotlight remains firmly on the ongoing war of words. Will the Thalaivas reveal more about the reasons behind their decision? Can they back up the allegations with evidence? Or will the issue get murkier in the coming days?
One thing is certain — this controversy has become one of the biggest talking points in PKL history. And Pawan Sehrawat’s emotional statement has added a personal layer to what was earlier considered a management decision.
Final Thoughts
While kabaddi is a game of strength, strategy, and spirit, situations like these remind us that it is also a game of emotions, respect, and reputations. As fans, one can only hope that truth prevails, and both sides – whether it’s Pawan or the franchise – handle the matter with dignity and transparency.
For now, the league moves on, but the echoes of this controversy are far from over.
