Karnataka Bulldozers, led by Kiccha Sudeep, created history at the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2026 by winning the championship for the third time. The victory is particularly special, as the team lifted the trophy after a 12-year gap, bringing the title back home.
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Sudeep described the win as an emotional moment for the team. He said that CCL has always been more than just a tournament. “For us, it is an emotion. Leading such a talented team and bringing the trophy home after more than a decade is a very special feeling,” he said.
Sudeep appreciated the team’s performance under pressure and credited their planning and teamwork for the success. He also dedicated the victory to fans who supported the team through difficult phases. “Our fans stood by us in every situation. This trophy belongs to them. The slogan ‘This time, the cup is ours’ has now become a reality,” he added.
The actor also shared that the league is not limited to celebrities. He revealed that talented cricket-playing fans can get opportunities to be part of the team. According to Sudeep, anyone with genuine skill and passion for the game can join the CCL setup.
Karnataka Bulldozers secured the title by defeating Bengal Tigers in the final match held in Coimbatore on February 1. The team registered a comfortable six-wicket victory to seal the championship.
The squad, led by Sudeep, included Pradeep, JK, Krishna, Chandan, Rajeev, Niroop, Pratap, Arjun, Sachin, Karan, Manjunath, and Bachchan, all of whom played key roles in the tournament.
Star batter Rajeev Hanu emerged as one of the highlights of the final, scoring 69 runs off 35 balls while chasing a target of 130 runs. He was named ‘Man of the Match’. Bowler Pratap also delivered a strong performance and was awarded the ‘Best Bowler’ title.
