Celebrity Cricket League CCL 2025-26 Schedule | CCL 10 Fixtures Match Time Table

The Celebrity Cricket League (CCL), a glittering fusion of cricket and entertainment, returns for its 2025-26 season, promising a spectacle of talent, camaraderie, and high-octane action. As fans gear up for this star-studded tournament, we break down the full schedule, team squads, match timings, and key highlights of the upcoming edition.

Introduction: The Magic of CCL

Since its inception in 2011, the CCL has captivated audiences by bringing together Bollywood actors, regional film stars, musicians, and sports personalities to compete in a cricketing arena. The league transcends traditional cricket, blending entertainment with the sport’s core values of teamwork and strategy. For the 2025-26 season, the CCL promises a refreshed format, new rivalries, and a celebration of cricket’s universal appeal.

Celebrity Cricket League: The Glitz and Glamour of Celebrity Sportsmanship

History of Celebrity Cricket League

The idea of Celebrity Cricket League was conceptualized by Vishnu Vardhan Induri, a film producer, and a cricket enthusiast.
In 2011, the first season of CCL was launched with eight teams representing different regional film industries of India.
The teams were Mumbai Heroes, Chennai Rhinos, Telugu Warriors, Karnataka Bulldozers, Kerala Strikers, Bengal Tigers, Veer Marathi, and Bhojpuri Dabbangs.

The rules and format of the league

The Celebrity Cricket League follows the T20 format, where each team plays a maximum of 20 overs. The league has its own set of rules, including the use of colored clothing, the mandatory inclusion of at least one female celebrity in each team and the restriction on the number of professional cricketers that can play for each team. The league also has a unique feature called the "Super Over" which is played in case of a tie.

CCL 2025-26 Full Schedule

The tournament will span 6 weeks, starting in November 2025 and culminating in a grand finale in January 2026. Here’s a breakdown of the key phases:

Phase 1: Group Stage (November 15 – December 15, 2025)

Format: 10 teams will compete in a round-robin format, with each team playing 8 matches.
Venues: Matches will be held across iconic cricket stadiums in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.
Key Matches:
- Opening Ceremony: Mumbai Heroes vs. Chennai Rhinos (November 15, Mumbai).
- Clash of Titans: Bangalore Bulls vs. Kerala Strikers (November 22, Bengaluru).
- Derby Day: Hyderabad Chargers vs. Andhra Warriors (December 5, Hyderabad).

Phase 2: Playoffs (December 20 – December 30, 2025)

Top 4 teams from the group stage will advance to the playoffs.
Semi-Finals: December 20 and 22.
Eliminator: December 25.
Final: December 30 in Mumbai.

Phase 3: Celebrity Charity Match (January 5, 2026)

A special exhibition match featuring legends from past CCL seasons, with proceeds donated to NGOs supporting underprivileged children.

Team Squads: Stars to Watch

Each CCL team boasts a mix of acting prowess and cricketing flair. Below are the squads and key players for the 2025-26 season:

1. Mumbai Heroes

Captain: Rohit Roy
Key Players: Riteish Deshmukh, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani
Coach: Zaheer Khan
Highlights: Defending champions aiming for a hat-trick of titles.

2. Chennai Rhinos

Captain: Vishal
Key Players: Arya, Nakul, Sathish
Coach: Murali Vijay
Highlights: Known for their aggressive batting style.

3. Bangalore Bulls

Captain: Sudeep
Key Players: Diganth, Ramesh Aravind, Ambarish
Coach: Anil Kumble
Highlights: Homegrown talent and strategic gameplay.

4. Hyderabad Chargers

Captain: Ravi Teja
Key Players: Allu Sirish, Naveen Chandra, Suman
Coach: Venkatesh Prasad
Highlights: Speedy bowlers and energetic fielding.

5. Kerala Strikers

Captain: Kunchacko Boban
Key Players: Jayasurya, Indrajith, Sreesanth
Coach: Sreesanth (dual role)
Highlights: Sreesanth’s return to competitive cricket.

6. Andhra Warriors

Captain: Nandamuri Balakrishna
Key Players: Manchu Manoj, Gopichand, Aadi
Coach: Muttiah Muralitharan
Highlights: Spin-heavy attack led by Murali.

7. Gujarat Giants

Captain: Rajeev Thakkar
Key Players: Himesh Reshammiya, Mukesh Rawal
Coach: Irfan Pathan
Highlights: Newcomers with a focus on youth.

8. Punjab de Kings

Captain: Gippy Grewal
Key Players: Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh
Coach: Harbhajan Singh (dual role)
Highlights: Punjab’s cricket royalty takes the field.

9. Odisha Warriors

Captain: Anubhav Mohanty
Key Players: Sabyasachi Mishra, Jitendra Swain
Coach: Ashok Dinda
Highlights: Debut season with a focus on local talent.

10. Delhi Dazzlers

Captain: R Madhavan
Key Players: Gul Panag, Rajeev Khandelwal
Coach: Virender Sehwag
Highlights: Bollywood meets cricket in the capital.

Match Timings and Viewing Details

All matches will be held in Indian Standard Time (IST), with timings designed to accommodate prime-time viewership:

Day Matches: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM IST
Evening Matches: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM IST
Double-Headers: On weekends, two matches will be scheduled simultaneously across different venues.

Broadcast Details:

TV: Star Sports Network (India) and ESPN (International).
Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar and CCL’s official YouTube channel.

Tournament Format and Rules

The CCL 2025-26 follows a Twenty20 (T20) format, with each match lasting 20 overs per side. Key rules include:

Powerplay: First 6 overs with fielding restrictions.
Substitutions: Up to 2 player changes allowed for fitness or strategic reasons.
Super Over: In case of a tie, teams face off in a one-over eliminator.
Player Caps: Each team must field at least 5 cricketers and 5 celebrities.

Key Players to Watch

Sreesanth (Kerala Strikers): The all-rounder returns to cricket after a decade-long hiatus.
Harbhajan Singh (Punjab de Kings): Spin legend mentors the team while showcasing his batting skills.
Riteish Deshmukh (Mumbai Heroes): Consistent batsman and crowd favorite.
Vishal (Chennai Rhinos): Aggressive opener and captain.
Anubhav Mohanty (Odisha Warriors): Emerging star in Odisha’s debut season.

Venues and Fan Engagement

Matches will be held at iconic stadiums, including:

Mumbai: Wankhede Stadium
Chennai: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium
Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
Kolkata: Eden Gardens (special exhibition match)

Fan Activities:

Meet-and-Greets: Fans can interact with celebrities post-match.
CCL Merchandise: Limited-edition jerseys, posters, and autographed gear.
Social Media Contests: Win tickets and behind-the-scenes access.

CCL’s Legacy and Social Impact

Beyond cricket, the league supports charitable causes. A portion of ticket sales and merchandise revenue will fund initiatives like:

CCL Cares: Scholarships for aspiring cricketers.
Green CCL: Tree-plantation drives in host cities.

Conclusion: A Festival of Cricket and Entertainment

The CCL 2025-26 promises to be a celebration of cricket’s spirit, infused with the glamour of entertainment. Whether you’re a cricket purist or a celebrity admirer, the league offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars, grab your jerseys, and get ready for a season of unforgettable moments!

Stay tuned to official CCL channels for real-time updates, and join the conversation using #CCL2025!

FAQ

What is Celebrity Cricket League CCL?

The Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) is an amateur men's cricket league in India that consists of eight teams of film actors from eight major regional film industries of Indian cinema. Salman Khan has been the brand ambassador for the league since its inception in 2011. The league has a vast media coverage and the teams use various venues for their home games.

When was the Celebrity Cricket League established?

The Celebrity Cricket League was established in 2011.

Who are some of the popular actors and celebrities who participate in CCL?

Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Mohanlal, Sudeep, and many more participate in the Celebrity Cricket League.

How is CCL different from IPL?

While both leagues have their own unique features, IPL is considered a more professional and competitive league, while CCL focuses more on entertainment and star power.

What are some of the criticisms of the Celebrity Cricket League?

Some of the criticisms of CCL include the lack of competitiveness and quality of cricket, controversies surrounding the selection of players and teams, and over-emphasis on entertainment and star power.

What is the future of Celebrity Cricket League?

The future of Celebrity Cricket League remains uncertain, but the organizers are exploring options like franchise-based teams and collaborations with other leagues to make it more attractive and sustainable.