The Celebrity Cricket League returns in 2026 with eight dynamic teams representing India’s major film industries. This unique tournament combines the excitement of cricket with the glamour of cinema, creating an entertainment spectacle that captivates millions across the country.
From Bollywood’s Mumbai Heroes to Tollywood’s Telugu Warriors, each franchise carries regional pride and passionate fan support. Running from January 16 to February 1 across Madurai, Mysuru, and Hyderabad, CCL 2026 promises thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments as cinema’s biggest stars compete for championship glory.
Full List of Celebrity Cricket League 2026 Teams
The Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2026 brings together eight teams representing different Indian film industries. Each team reflects its regional cinema while competing in a structured cricket format that combines sport and entertainment.
| Team Names | Film Industry Represented | Captain | Title won |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengal Tigers | Bengali | Jisshu Sengupta | 1 |
| Bhojpuri Dabanggs | Bhojpuri | Manoj Tiwari | 0 |
| Vels Chennai Kings | Tamil | Arya | 2 |
| Karnataka Bulldozers | Kannada | Sudeep Kichcha | 2 |
| Kerala Strikers | Malayalam | Unni Mukundan | 0 |
| Mumbai Heroes | Hindi (Bollywood) | Riteish Deshmukh | 1 |
| Punjab De Sher | Punjabi | Sonu Sood | 1 |
| Telugu Warriors | Telugu | Akhil Akkineni | 4 |
Together, these teams showcase the diversity of Indian cinema, bringing regional pride, star presence, and nationwide appeal to the Celebrity Cricket League. Each franchise adds its own identity, making CCL 2026 a truly pan-India sporting event.
Team Profiles – Leaders, Stars, and Identity
Each team brings a distinct identity shaped by its leaders, star performers, and playing philosophy. From experienced captains to match-winning talents, these profiles highlight the core strengths that define every side.
1. Bengal Tigers
Representing Bengali cinema, Bengal Tigers are owned by Boney Kapoor and Raj Shah, with captain Jisshu Sengupta leading the charge.
The team’s historic 2024 championship victory ended a long wait for glory.
Full Squad: Sanjoy, Indrasish Roy, Yousuf Chishti, Sandy, Sourav Das, Mohan, Monty, Aditya, Jammy Banerjee, Ratnadeep Ghosh, and Uday.
2. Bhojpuri Dabbangs
The Bhojpuri Dabbangs showcase regional cinema pride under Captain Manoj Tiwari’s leadership. Owned by Kanishk Sheel, Rahul Mishra, Sushil Malik, and Sushil Sharma, the team has competed consistently since 2012.
Full Squad: Neel, Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua), Khesari Lal Yadav, Ram Pravesh Yadav, Vikas Singh, Jay Prakash Yadav, Vikrant Singh, Anshuman, Ayaz Khan, Vikas Singh, and Asgar Rashid Khan
3. Vels Chennai Kings
One of CCL’s founding teams, Vels Chennai Kings, represents Tamil cinema with pride.
Captain Arya leads the franchise owned by K. Ganga Prasad, celebrating early championship success in 2011 and 2012.
Full Squad: Adhav, Balasarvanan, Dasarathi, Jivva, Prithvi, Ramana, Shanthanu, Sharran, Vikranth, and Vishnu Vishal
4. Karnataka Bulldozers
Karnataka Bulldozers embody Kannada cinema’s competitive spirit with back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014.
Superstar Sudeep Kichcha captains the team owned by Ashok Kheny, known for exceptional teamwork.
Full Squad: Padeep, Ganesh, Chandan, Jairam, Karan, Krishna Ganesh, Nirup, Prathap, Rajeev Hanu, Arjun Yogi, and Suneel.
5. Kerala Strikers
Kerala Strikers have assembled a talented squad for the 2026 season.
Owned by Mohanlal and partners, the team delivers balanced performances season after season. Team led by Unni Mukundan as captain.
Full Squad: Rajeev Pillai, Saiju Kurup, Riyaz Khan, Siddharth Menon, Vivek Gopan, Anoop Krishnan, Arjun Nandakumar, Siju Wilson, John Kaippali, Sanju Sivaram, Prashanth Alexander, Arjun Benny, and Bineesh Kodiyeri.
6. Mumbai Heroes
Bollywood’s glamorous representatives, Mumbai Heroes, are captained by Riteish Deshmukh and owned by Sohail Khan, Adil Jagmagia, and Jordy Patel.
Their 2019 championship showcased star power, combining with cricket skills.
Full Squad: Abhilash Choudhary, Aftab Shivdasani, Sohail Khan, Apoorva Lakhia, Sandeep Juwatkar, Saqib, Madhav Deochake, Shabbir Ahluwalia, Vatsal Seth, Raja Bherwani, Siddhant, and Tomar.
7. Punjab De Sher
The defending champions, Punjab De Sher, celebrate their 2025 title under captain Sonu Sood’s leadership.
Owned by Navraj Hans and Puneet Singh, the team brings Punjabi entertainment energy to every match.
Full Squad: Amit Bhalla, Anuj, Apar Shakti Khurana, Babbal Rai, Binnu Dhillon, Dakssh Ajit Singh, Dev Kharod, Gavie Chahal, Hardy Sandhu, Harmeet Singh, Manmeet Singh, Mayur Mehta, Rahul Jaittly, Navraj Hans, Jassie Gill, Karan Wahi, Suyash Rai, and Balraj Sayal
8. Telugu Warriors
The league’s most decorated franchise, Telugu Warriors, have captured four championships representing Tollywood.
Captain Akhil Akkineni leads the team owned by Sachiin J Joshi, with veteran Venkatesh as mentor.
Full Squad: Sachiin Joshi, Sudheer Babu, Roshan, Prince Cecil, Ashwin Babu, Thaman, Nandakishore, Nikhil, Raghu, Sushanth, and Viswa
Most Successful Teams in CCL History
Telugu Warriors stand as CCL’s most dominant force with four championship titles, establishing themselves as the benchmark for excellence.
| Team | Titles Won | Championship Years |
|---|---|---|
| Telugu Warriors | 4 | 2015,2016,2017,2023 |
| Vels Chennai Kings | 2 | 2011,2012 |
| Karnataka Bulldozers | 2 | 2013,2014 |
| Bengal Tigers | 1 | 2024 |
| Mumbai Heroes | 1 | 2019 |
| Punjab De Sher | 1 | 2025 |
Vels Chennai Kings and Karnataka Bulldozers each claimed two titles during their peak years, while recent victories by Bengal Tigers and Punjab De Sher prove that championship success remains achievable for all teams. These historic achievements have created compelling rivalries and competitive storylines that drive fan engagement across seasons.
How Teams Qualify for the CCL 2026 Playoffs
The tournament begins with a league stage where all eight teams compete against each other, earning points through victories.
| Stage | Format | Teams Involved |
|---|---|---|
| League Stage | Round-robin matches, points-based ranking | All 8 teams compete |
| Semi-Finals | Knockout matches | Top 4 teams (1st vs 4th, 2nd vs 3rd) |
| Final | Championship match | 2 semi-final winners |
The top four teams based on points advance to the semi-finals. In this knockout round, the first-ranked team faces the fourth, while second meets third. Winners from both semi-finals progress to the grand final in Hyderabad, where the CCL 2026 champion is crowned.
Why Team Identity Matters in CCL
Team identity forms the heart of CCL’s immense popularity. Each franchise represents regional cinema, creating deep emotional connections with fans who see their language and culture reflected on the field.
This regional pride transforms matches into celebrations of cultural identity, driving passionate fan engagement across states. The unique blend of cinema and cricket generates loyalty that extends beyond typical sports fandom, as supporters cheer not just for victory but for their entire film industry’s representation and honor.
Conclusion: Eight Film Industries, One Competitive League
Celebrity Cricket League 2026 celebrates India’s cinematic diversity through competitive sport. Eight teams representing distinct film industries bring together entertainment and athletic excellence, creating a tournament that appeals to both cricket enthusiasts and cinema lovers.
With matches scheduled across Madurai, Mysuru, and Hyderabad from January 16 to February 1, the season promises thrilling competition, regional rivalries, and memorable performances that showcase the enduring appeal of this unique league format.
