Chennai will host the final of Vivo ProKabaddi League-5, apart from the play-off/ eliminator matches while Mumbai will host another set of playoff/ eliminators.
The 2017 edition will kick off in Hyderabad with a contest between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas on July 28.
Super-Playoffs will be introduced for the first time, featuring the top three finishers in each group, divided into qualifier and eliminator games.
Tamil Thalaivas, one of four new franchises, is placed in Zone ‘B’. Debutant UP Yoddhas, Bengal Warriors, Patna Pirates, and Telugu Titans complete the group.
Two other new entrants, Haryana Steelers and Gujarat Fortune Giants, are placed in Zone ‘A’ along with U Mumba, Puneri Paltan, Jaipur Pink Panthers and Dabang Delhi.
Each of the 12 squads will play 22 matches (15 with rivals in the same zone and seven across the zone).
The franchise-based tournament, held across 12 cities and in its fifth season, will be conducted by Mashal Sports and Star Sports and will conclude on October 28.
Anupam Goswami, League Commissioner, said: “Our goal was to create a high-impact tournament and invoke euphoric sentiment among fans for their favourite teams.”
The re-arrangement of squads this season adds to the excitement as coaches and captains adapt to changes.
Rahul Chaudhari and Ajay Thakur will lead Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas respectively in the opener.
Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Chennai and Haryana are the new venues.
