Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) is one of those unique events which combines India’s two greatest loves: cinema and cricket. Started in 2011, CCL brings together actors from different regional film industries to bat, bowl and field against each other in a fast-paced exhibition tournament. It’s not just about the performances on screen now—fan loyalty shifts to cricket grounds as stars try to wield a bat instead of lines. Over the years, the League has seen format tweaks, cancelled seasons, new teams, and a few clear dominators. In this article, we’ll look at how the league works, then go through the winners, runners-up for each season, and highlight what made each season memorable.
Below is a table summarizing each season of the Celebrity Cricket League (up to 2025) with champions, runners-up, format, number of teams:
| Season | Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Format / Notes | Number of Teams |
| 1 | 2011 | Chennai Rhinos | Karnataka Bulldozers | T20 format | 4 |
| 2 | 2012 | Chennai Rhinos | Karnataka Bulldozers | T20 | 6 |
| 3 | 2013 | Karnataka Bulldozers | Telugu Warriors | T20 | 8 |
| 4 | 2014 | Karnataka Bulldozers | Kerala Strikers | T20 | 8 |
| 5 | 2015 | Telugu Warriors | Chennai Rhinos | T20 | 8 |
| 6 | 2016 | Telugu Warriors | Karnataka Bulldozers | T20 | 8 |
| 7 | 2017 | Telugu Warriors | Kerala Strikers | T10 | 6 |
| 8 | 2019 | Mumbai Heroes | Karnataka Bulldozers | T10 (or shortened) | 6 |
| 9 | 2023 | Telugu Warriors | Bhojpuri Dabanggs | “Two innings of 10 overs each” / newer format | 8 |
| 10 | 2024 | Bengal Tigers | Karnataka Bulldozers | Same newer format (2-innings style) | 8 |
| 11 | 2025 | Punjab De Sher | Chennai Rhinos | Format similar to 2024 | 7 (some teams withdrew) |
Here are sketches of each season’s highlights:
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 1 (2011)
The first edition of CCL in 2011 marked the beginning of a star-studded experiment: actors batting, bowling and fielding. With only 4 teams participating, Chennai Rhinos (led by actor Vishal) fought their way to the final and defeated Karnataka Bulldozers to become the inaugural champions. As a T20 format, matches were short but packed with entertainment. Given the novelty and few teams, every match carried weight. Chennai Rhinos also asserted early dominance by defeating the Bulldozers in a gripping final.
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 2 (2012)
Season 2 saw expansion: two more teams joined, making the competition more robust with 6 teams. Format was still T20 and group stage followed by knockout. Chennai Rhinos defended their reputation by once again emerging winners, defeating Karnataka Bulldozers in the final. The larger pool increased unpredictability and fan engagement, as regional actor-fans now had more of a stake. The brand and spectacle of CCL solidified further this season.
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 3 (2013)
In 2013, the league expanded further: 8 teams competed, making the competition richer. Karnataka Bulldozers broke through, defeating Telugu Warriors in the final, claiming their first title. The T20 format allowed energetic cricket and significant participation. With more industries represented, the fan base spread wider. This season is often remembered for its clash between Karnataka and Telugu industries, and for highlighting the gap between teams in batting depth and athletic fielding.
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 4 (2014)
Continuing with 8 teams and the T20 format, Season 4 saw Karnataka Bulldozers defend their title, defeating Kerala Strikers in the final. Their back-to-back wins established them as a strong team. Kerala Strikers reaching the final was notable, showing that non-Telugu / non-Karnataka teams could make deep runs. The season also had more media buzz, increased venues, and more spectacle off-field: celebrity appearances, promotional events, etc.
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 5 (2015)
Season 5 was significant because Telugu Warriors won their first ever CCL title, defeating Chennai Rhinos in a competitive final. The competition remained at 8 teams and T20 format. Telugu Warriors, with backing of big regional film industries and strong captains, showcased consistency in earlier matches. Fans from Telugu cinema had reason to celebrate as their stars took the trophy. Also, the increased professionalism—better organised matches, improved broadcast—stood out.
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 6 (2016)
Season 6 again saw Telugu Warriors penetrate consistency: they lifted the trophy for second time, beating Karnataka Bulldozers in the final. Still T20 format, with 8 teams participating. The balance of power in CCL at this point had clearly shifted—Telugu Warriors becoming a powerhouse. Matches were more competitive. Many teams improved their talent pool and fielding standards. However, obstacles like weather and scheduling remained.
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 7 (2017)
In 2017, format changed: T10 format (shorter matches) was used, and only 6 teams competed (some teams absent). Despite the shorter format, Telugu Warriors managed to win their third title in a row, defeating Kerala Strikers in the final. The shorter matches meant less margin for error, more aggressive batting, and a premium on fast scoring and tight bowling. The season was also marked by great fan interest and rising media coverage.
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 8 (2019)
After a break, 2019 season saw the return of CCL (2018 had disruptions / cancellations). Format remained T10 or shortened type, with 6 teams. Mumbai Heroes emerged as champions, defeating Karnataka Bulldozers. However, due to rain and weather interruptions, some knockout matches (semi-final / final) could not be completed normally, and winners/runner-ups were decided based on group stage performance in some cases. This made the season controversial but also highlighted the challenges of outdoor tournaments.
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 9 (2023)
After a long gap (2020-22 mostly cancelled due to COVID etc.), CCL made a comeback in 2023. The format had evolved: “two innings of 10 overs each” style (or similar) and 8 teams were involved. Telugu Warriors once again demonstrated their dominance, defeating Bhojpuri Dabanggs in the final. The comeback was eagerly awaited by fans. Matches were more polished; venues, broadcasting, logistics improved. The emphasis was on entertainment + competitiveness.
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 10 (2024)
In 2024, Bengal Tigers won their first CCL title, defeating Karnataka Bulldozers. The format continued similar to 2023 (with two innings style / shorter overs) and 8 teams participating. The 2024 season showed newer teams breaking through: the Bengal Tigers, with notable actors as captains. Also, the drive to widen regional representation showed in team strength. Media presence was strong; event management smoother. Fans were excited about a fresh winner.
Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) Season 11 (2025)
The 2025 edition (up to early March), saw Punjab De Sher clinch their first CCL trophy, defeating Chennai Rhinos. This season had 7 teams (Kerala Strikers withdrew) and continued under evolved match rules. The tournament maintained its round-robin + knockout structure. This new champion means further diversification in winning teams. The league’s resilience is visible in how it has adapted through seasons — despite cancellations due to rain, pandemic, etc. — and still grown stronger fandom.
Key Takeaways
- The Telugu Warriors are statistically the most successful team so far, with 4 titles.
- Chennai Rhinos and Karnataka Bulldozers have won twice each.
- Several seasons were disrupted or cancelled: notably 2018, 2020-22 due to external reasons.
- The format has evolved: from T20 → T10 / shortened formats → newer two-innings of 10 overs each, etc.
- Teams’ participation numbers have fluctuated: sometimes 4, sometimes 6, sometimes 8, and occasionally reduced due to withdrawals.