Kerala Strikers represent the Malayalam film industry (Mollywood) in the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL). The team brings together popular actors and celebrities from Kerala. This squad showcases the cricketing passion of God’s Own Country through entertainment and sports.
The franchise joined CCL in 2012 during the league’s second season. Padma Shri Mohanlal, Rajkumar Sethupathy, Sripriya Rajkumar, PM Shaji, and Jaison own the team. Superstar Mohanlal founded and originally captained the squad. Actress Bhavana serves as the brand ambassador.
The team plays its home matches at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi. Kerala Strikers have reached two CCL finals but are still searching for their maiden title. The franchise aims to bring the championship trophy to Kerala while entertaining millions of fans.
Team Information
| Team Name | Kerala Strikers |
|---|---|
| Industry | Malayalam (Mollywood) |
| State | Kerala, India |
| Founded | 2012 (CCL Season 2) |
| Owners | Mohanlal, Rajkumar Sethupathy, Sripriya Rajkumar, PM Shaji & Jaison |
| Brand Ambassador | Bhavana |
| Home Ground | Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi |
| CCL Titles | 0 (Runners-up: 2014, 2017) |
CCL 2026 Squad
Kerala Strikers has assembled a talented squad for the 2026 season. The team combines experienced veterans with promising young actors.
Here is the complete player list:
- Unni Mukundan (Captain)
- Rajeev Pillai
- Saiju Kurup
- Riyaz Khan
- Siddharth Menon
- Vivek Gopan
- Anoop Krishnan
- Arjun Nandakumar
- Siju Wilson
- John Kaippali
- Sanju Sivaram
- Prashanth Alexander
- Arjun Benny
- Bineesh Kodiyeri
Previous Records And History
Kerala Strikers joined CCL in 2012 during the second season. The team entered the league alongside Bengal Tigers. Superstar Mohanlal led the franchise as captain and co-owner from the beginning. The team quickly established itself as a competitive force in the tournament.
The 2013 season saw Kerala Strikers reach the semifinals for the first time. They showed impressive form but fell short of the final. The 2014 season brought their first breakthrough. Kerala Strikers reached the CCL final but lost to Karnataka Bulldozers. This runner-up finish gave fans hope for future glory.
The 2017 season proved equally heartbreaking for the Strikers. They reached their second CCL final with strong performances. However, Telugu Warriors defeated them to clinch their third consecutive title. Kerala Strikers remains the only team to lose two CCL finals without winning the championship.
CCL 2024 Journey
The 2024 season started with high expectations for Kerala Strikers. Kunchacko Boban led the team as captain. The squad featured talented players eager to claim their maiden title.
Here is their match record:
1. Match vs Mumbai Heroes (Sharjah) – Lost by 8 runs
2. Match vs Bengal Tigers (Sharjah) – Lost by 33 runs
3. Match vs Chennai Rhinos (Hyderabad) – Lost by 9 wickets
4. Match vs Telugu Warriors (Hyderabad) – lost by 10 runs
The team struggled to find winning momentum throughout the season. They failed to qualify for the playoffs. Bengal Tigers went on to win the 2024 championship. Kerala Strikers withdrew from CCL 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances.
Key Players And Performers
Notable Players Through the Years
Kerala Strikers have featured many talented cricketers from Mollywood. Mohanlal served as the iconic captain during the early seasons. Rajeev Pillai emerged as the playing captain and delivered consistent performances. Kunchacko Boban took over the captaincy role in recent years and led from the front.
Star Players
| Player | Role | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Mohanlal | Former Captain | Leadership & Batting |
| Rajeev Pillai | All-rounder | Batting & Wicketkeeping |
| Indrajith Sukumaran | All-rounder | Consistent Performer |
Finals History
Kerala Strikers have reached the CCL final twice but have yet to win the championship. The team came agonizingly close to glory on both occasions. Here is a summary of their finals appearances:
| Season | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Karnataka Bulldozers | Lost (Runner-up) |
| 2017 | Telugu Warriors | Lost (Runner-up) |
CCL Winners History
Telugu Warriors lead the all-time CCL winners chart with four titles. Karnataka Bulldozers and Chennai Rhinos have each won two championships. Kerala Strikers seeks to join this elite group.
Here is the complete list of CCL winners:
| Season | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Chennai Rhinos | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| 2012 | Chennai Rhinos | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| 2013 | Karnataka Bulldozers | Telugu Warriors |
| 2014 | Karnataka Bulldozers | Kerala Strikers |
| 2015 | Telugu Warriors | Chennai Rhinos |
| 2016 | Telugu Warriors | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| 2017 | Telugu Warriors | Kerala Strikers |
| 2019 | Mumbai Heroes | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| 2023 | Telugu Warriors | Bhojpuri Dabanggs |
| 2024 | Bengal Tigers | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| 2025 | Punjab De Sher | Chennai Rhinos |
Conclusion
Kerala Strikers remains one of the most passionate franchises in CCL history. The team represents the spirit and energy of Mollywood on the cricket field. Despite reaching two finals, they still await their maiden championship trophy. Their loyal fans continue to support them through every season.
Captain Unni Mukundan now leads a refreshed squad into CCL 2026. Players like Indrajith Sukumaran, Kunchacko Boban, and Asif Ali bring experience and talent to the team. The franchise has assembled one of its strongest squads yet for the upcoming season.
Kerala Strikers return to CCL 2026 after missing the 2025 season. The team looks determined to break their finals jinx and lift the trophy. With their passionate fan base and talented roster, the Strikers aim to bring the CCL championship to God’s Own Country finally.