The Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) is the only sporting event in the world that brings together over 200 film superstars from eight different regional film industries. It is not just a cricket tournament; it is a traveling carnival of glamour, entertainment, and intense sporting rivalry.
The recently concluded 2025 Season (Season 11) was a historic one, witnessing Punjab De Sher lift their maiden trophy in a thrilling finale. As we gear up for CCL 2026, the excitement is building around which cities will host the stars this year.
Unlike professional leagues that play in every home city, the CCL follows a “Caravan Format.” The entire league travels together to select destinations on weekends. This ensures that every match weekend is a blockbuster event featuring multiple games and a stadium full of stars.
This page is your ultimate guide to the stadiums that host the CCL. From the historic sands of Sharjah to the electric atmosphere of Hyderabad, we take you inside the arenas where the magic happens.
Venues:
While the official schedule for the 2026 season will be released in January, the league typically rotates between a fixed set of world class venues that offer the best facilities for both cricket and entertainment.
Below is the list of primary venues that hosted the 2025 season and are expected to return for 2026.
| Venue Name | City | Capacity | Home Team / Region |
| Sharjah Cricket Stadium | Sharjah, UAE | 16,000 | Neutral (Opening Weekend) |
| Rajiv Gandhi Intl Stadium | Hyderabad | 39,000 | Telugu Warriors |
| Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium | Vizag | 27,000 | Neutral / Playoffs |
| Sector 16 Cricket Stadium | Chandigarh | 30,000 | Punjab De Sher |
| M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | Bengaluru | 32,000 | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| Greenfield Intl Stadium | Trivandrum | 50,000 | Kerala Strikers |
(Note: The 2025 season saw the playoffs and final being held in Vizag, a venue that has become a favorite for the organizers.)
Details:
Let us dive deep into what makes each of these grounds special for the Celebrity Cricket League.
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
For the past few seasons, the CCL has kicked off its campaign in the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah is one of the most iconic cricket grounds in history.
- The Vibe: The stadium has a unique, closed roof architecture that traps the noise. When Salman Khan or Mohanlal walks onto the field here, the roar is deafening. It serves as a neutral ground where expatriate fans from all Indian states come together.
- Pitch Report: Sharjah is famous for its short boundaries. It is a batter’s paradise. In the T10 format often used in CCL qualifiers or the T20 format of the league, scores of 120+ are considered par. Spinners have a tough time here as even mishits often fly for six.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Hyderabad is arguably the loudest venue in the CCL circuit. Home to the powerhouse Telugu Warriors (led by Akhil Akkineni), this ground sees massive turnout.
- The Vibe: The “Orange Army” of fans fills the stands. The hospitality boxes are often packed with the elite of Tollywood. The stadium has excellent floodlights, making the evening matches a visual spectacle.
- Pitch Report: The wicket here is flat and hard, offering true bounce. It is excellent for stroke play. However, the large boundaries mean that batters have to rely on running hard between the wickets, which tests the fitness of the celebrity players.
Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium, Vizag
Visakhapatnam (Vizag) has emerged as the preferred destination for the CCL Playoffs and Finals. The scenic ground, with hills in the background, provided the perfect setting for Punjab De Sher’s historic win in 2025.
- The Vibe: Vizag crowds are known for being knowledgeable and sporting. They cheer for good cricket regardless of the team. The cool sea breeze in the evening makes it comfortable for the actors who are not used to playing professional sport in the heat.
- Pitch Report: This is widely considered one of the best batting tracks in India. The ball comes onto the bat nicely. In the 2025 Final, the pitch held up well for 40 overs, allowing for a high scoring thriller.
Sector 16 Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh
With the rise of Punjab De Sher, the league returned to Chandigarh in 2025 with a bang.
- The Vibe: The atmosphere here is festive, with Bhangra beats echoing from the stands. The victory of the home team in the last season has turned this venue into a fortress. It is smaller and more intimate than the PCA Stadium in Mohali, allowing fans to get closer to their favorite stars like Sonu Sood and Harrdy Sandhu.
- Pitch Report: Traditionally a green top that helps seamers early on. However, for CCL matches, the grass is usually trimmed to favor batting. The morning matches here can see the ball swing due to the winter chill in February.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Home to the Karnataka Bulldozers (one of the most successful teams in CCL history), Bangalore is central to the league’s success.
- The Vibe: The fans here are arguably the most passionate. Led by Kiccha Sudeep, the Bulldozers enjoy rockstar status. The stadium is located in the heart of the city, ensuring full houses for every match.
- Pitch Report: Known for its small boundaries and high altitude, the ball travels further here than anywhere else in India. It is a nightmare for bowlers. CCL matches here often see totals crossing 130 or 140 in 20 overs.
FAQs:
Where was the CCL 2025 Final held?
The final of the 2025 season was held at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium in Vizag, where Punjab De Sher defeated Chennai Rhinos.
Will CCL 2026 return to Dubai or Sharjah?
Yes, the opening leg of CCL 2026 will likely be hosted in Sharjah, continuing the tradition of taking the league to the UAE for its global fanbase.
Why are matches not played in Mumbai usually?
While Mumbai is the home of the Mumbai Heroes, the league often chooses venues like Vizag, Hyderabad, or Bangalore for logistical reasons and to tap into the massive regional film fanbases in the South. However, exhibition matches are occasionally held in Mumbai.
Which stadium has the highest capacity in CCL?
The Greenfield International Stadium in Trivandrum has a capacity of 50,000, making it the largest, though it depends on whether the Kerala Strikers participate in the season. Among regular venues, Hyderabad (39,000) is the largest.
Are food and drinks allowed inside the venues?
No, outside food is strictly prohibited. However, all CCL venues have ample food stalls serving snacks and beverages at reasonable prices.
Is the entry free for CCL matches?
No, but it is very affordable. Tickets usually start as low as ₹100 or ₹200 for a full day pass (access to both matches on that day).
Does the Chennai Rhinos team play at Chepauk?
The Chennai Rhinos represent the Tamil film industry. While they have played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in the past, recent seasons have seen them play their “home” legs in neutral venues like Vizag or Coimbatore due to scheduling availability at Chepauk.