CCL2026: Karnataka Bulldozers to Kerala Strikers; presenting the semi-finalists of Celebrity Cricket League Season 12

Celebrity Cricket League Season 12 is heading into the semi-final stage, with the top 4 teams determined at the end of 12 group matches held between January 16 and January 25. The first two teams to qualify for the semis were the Bengal Tigers and the Karnataka Bulldozers, after winning all of their group encounters. In fact, after its quota of 3 matches, the Tigers were at the top of the table, but then the Bulldozers pushed them to second place, once they also got to 6 points with a better net run rate.

In third place with 4 points are the Kerala Strikers, which, at one point seemed on their way out, having won 1 and lost another match. Their last encounter with the Vels Chennai Kings would be the decider and just when it seemed that the latter would cruise to a comfortable win, batting second, a rain disruption forced DLS and as per the revised total in 15 overs, the Kings were short. A very lucky break, indeed for the Strikers.

The last spot was held by last year’s champions Punjab De Sher, but then the Kings gave the Mumbai Heroes a massive drubbing and improved their net run rate, which, in effect pushed them to fourth position and a spot in the semi-finals to be held in Hyderabad.

What is the track record of the semi-finalists at CCL?

The Karnataka Bulldozers have won the tournament twice and in the last 11 seasons, have played 10 semi-finals and 7 finals. In the 2017 season they were eliminated in the group stage, but still remain one of the most successful and competitive sides in the league. The Bengal Tigers, on the other hand, have on only once, in 2024, and failed to get past the semis stage, on 3 other occasions. In fact, last year too, they had won all 4 of their group stage matches, but then faltered in the semi-final.

Also read: CCL2026: Karnataka Bulldozers top the points table with resounding victory against Bhojpuri Dabanggs 

The Kerala Strikers have played 2 finals, once in 2014, where they lost to the Bulldozers and then in 2017, when the Telugu Warriors triumphed. Last year, the team did not play the tournament and this year is expected to be when they finally take that trophy home. The Kings are 2-time champions and last year’s runners up, albeit when they were still the Chennai Rhinos.

As per the Celebrity Cricket League’s system, the semi-finals will see the No.1 team play No.4 and No.2 against No.3. Therefore, the Karnataka Bulldozers will take on the Chennai Kings, and the Bengal Tigers will play the Kerala Strikers on January 31, 2026. The semis can be streamed live on JioHotstar (available via OTTplay Premium) also.

CCL FAQs

Q. Where to watch CCL2026?

A. Season 12 of the Celebrity Cricket League began on January 16, 2026 and goes on till February 1. Eight teams are in the fray, with the winner getting a prize of Rs 50L. The matches are being live streamed on JioHotstar (available via OTTplay Premium also).

Q. Which team won CCL2025?

A. Punjab De Sher won CCL2025. They've been knocked out of CCL2026 in the group stage.