At a time when the national cricket Test squad is failing the cricket-crazy country, the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) attempted to renew interest in the game with its second edition that kicked off to a glittery start here on Sunday. Weary cricket enthusiasts and starry-eyed movie buffs flocked to the city's Chinnaswamy Stadium to witness a good game of bat and ball from their reel-heroes.
The inauguration was a grand affair with a galaxy of stars descending on the field and off it, evoking cheers from the fans on the stands.
The first match was played between the host team Karnataka Bulldozers and the Bengal Tigers, a new addition to the league. Even after losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Karnataka CCL captain
Sudeep, who appeared to be the most popular player in the team, said: “We have only lost the toss, not the game.”(Eventually, Karnataka Bulldozers won the game.)
The match got off to a cracking start with the opening batsmen sending the ball off to the fences in a flurry of fours and sixes, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Among the local fans, a sprinkling of Bengal supporters were seen trying to egg on their team. Subhajit Ghosh was there with his wife, rooting for their favourite star/player Jeet.
If anyone dominated the crowd and had the best possible time, it was the children. M.S. Tejas, a third standard student, was seen supporting the host team by vigorously waving the Bulldozers' flag and cheering for Sudeep.
