CCPL Season 2 set to bowl over fans with star performers

Raipur: The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh (SVNS) International Cricket Stadium, Nava Raipur, will host the second season of the Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League (CCPL) from Friday, June 6. Six teams will compete in the tournament, which serves as a platform for emerging and professional cricketers from the state. The opening match on June 6 will feature defending champions Raipur Rhinos against Bilaspur Bulls at 9 pm.Chhattisgarh's IPL players Shashank Singh and Ajay Mandal returned to represent their respective franchise teams after their IPL commitments. Their participation is expected to draw significant attention and raise the competitive standard of the tournament.The CCPL, which was ranked second in the country after its first season, not only provides a stage for showcasing local talent but also serves as a grooming ground for future state and national-level players.Amandeep Khare, the only player from Chhattisgarh to represent India U-19 in the World Cup, will captain the defending champions Raipur Rhinos. Bilaspur Bulls will be led by Shashank Singh, who was a consistent performer for Punjab Kings in the IPL. Saurabh Majumdar will lead Bastar Bisons, while Rishabh Tiwari will captain Raigarh Lions. All-rounder Ajay Mandal, who was part of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, will lead Rajnandgaon Panthers, and Ashutosh Singh will lead Surguja Tigers.The Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS), host of the CCPL, announced that the opening ceremony will be held at 7 pm, with a performance by playback singer Shalmali Kholgade.For the convenience of spectators, free bus services will be available from Ghadi Chowk multilevel parking to the cricket stadium from June 6 to 15.