The star-studded Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) is set to make a comeback with its much-anticipated 10th season. It’s not just any cricket tournament; this T20 cricket extravaganza amalgamates the glitz and glamour of cinema and television stars with the sheer excitement of the sport. Featuring eight illustrious teams, this league boasts a plethora of celebrities from all corners of India, all vying for the prestigious top spot. An intriguing change to the traditional format of the game is expected to add an extra layer of excitement to this year’s competition.
As the cricketing world gears up for the return of the CCL, a promotional press conference was held in Mumbai this Monday, where the spotlight shone on Bobby Deol, Sohail Khan, and Saqib Saleem – three luminaries of the Indian entertainment industry. Saqib Saleem, known for his portrayal of Mohinder Amarnath in the cricket-based drama ’83’ directed by Kabir Khan, stole the show as he showcased his biceps in what became a captivating photo opportunity alongside the ‘Animal’ actor, Bobby Deol, known for his distinctive ponytail.
However, it wasn’t just the muscle-flexing that captured the attention of those present at the event. Saqib Saleem seized the moment to divulge his deep-rooted affection for cricket, a sport that has significantly shaped his life and career. The actor, who is also recognized as the brother of Huma Qureshi, took attendees on a journey through his lifelong relationship with cricket.
“I have been playing cricket since my childhood,” Saleem reminisced, as he recounted various forms of the game that have punctuated his life – from the harmless book cricket during school breaks to gully cricket with a plastic ball and eventually playing at stadiums with professional gear. He revealed, “All major events in my life have happened around cricket. I was training to become a cricketer when I was young, but someone told me that I was not good enough.”
But such setbacks did not dampen his spirit for the game. Saqib’s passion for cricket has been unwavering as he asserted, “I love cricket and I live for cricket. My life has been around cricket so all my stories are around cricket.” His statements reflect a fervent admiration for the sport that has undoubtedly also influenced his choice of film roles, as seen in ’83’.
Fans waiting in eager anticipation will be delighted to know that all matches of the CCL 2024 will be live-streamed from February 23 to March 17 on the CCL Official YouTube Channel, making this sporting spectacle accessible to a wider audience globally.
As the celebrities prepare to swap their scripts for scorecards, the CCL not only promises high-octane cricketing action but also brings to the fore the stories of individuals like Saqib Saleem, whose foray into the realms of cinema can trace some of its roots back to the cricket pitch. It is this unique blend of personal narratives and the universal appeal of cricket that makes the Celebrity Cricket League a phenomenon in its own right.
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