Kerala Cricket League Kicks Off with Exciting Matches and Festivities

The Kerala Cricket League (KCL) is set to launch its third season at the Greenfield International Cricket Stadium, featuring six teams competing for the title. The opening matches promise excitement, with the defending champions, Kochi Blue Tigers, and new talent like Sibin Girish making headlines. A vibrant fan village will enhance the experience for spectators, offering entertainment and activities. With a mix of established players and emerging talent, the KCL aims to build on its previous successes. Read on to find out more about the teams, players, and the season ahead!

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 20, 2026, 23:37 IST

Exciting Start to the Kerala Cricket League

The third season of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) is set to commence on Thursday at the Greenfield International Cricket Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring six teams competing for the T20 championship.

The inaugural match will feature the Calicut Globstars facing off against the Thrissur Titans, followed by the defending champions, Kochi Blue Tigers, taking on the Aries Kollam Sailors.

This thrilling league will run until September 5, with the Trivandrum Royals and Alleppey Ripples rounding out the participating teams.

An exciting opening ceremony, showcasing cultural performances and entertainment, is scheduled to take place at the venue starting at 6 PM.

A fan village has been established near Gate 5 of the Greenfield Stadium, offering free entry to spectators. This vibrant fan zone will include a 360-degree photo booth, digital caricature stations, carnival games, merchandise stalls, food vendors, and festive decorations.

The teams are gearing up for the new season following a dynamic player auction held in July, where the Alleppey Ripples secured Sibin Girish for a record Rs 11.80 lakh, making him the highest-priced player of the auction.

Sibin, initially categorized in Category C with a base price of Rs 75,000, drew significant interest due to his impressive performances in the last KCL season and the recent NSK Trophy. The Alleppey Ripples ultimately outbid the Calicut Globstars, Thrissur Titans, and Kochi Blue Tigers to acquire him.

Krishnadev was the second-highest bid, retained by the Calicut Globstars for Rs 11.20 lakh, while veteran batsman Sachin Baby joined the Alleppey Ripples for Rs 10 lakh.

In total, 18 players were retained by the six franchises prior to the auction, with 89 players being signed through the bidding process.

Among the Category A players, Vishnu Vinod was signed by the Trivandrum Royals for Rs 7.80 lakh, Nidheesh MD was acquired by the Kollam Sailors for Rs 6.60 lakh, and Basil Thampi was bought by the Kochi Blue Tigers for Rs 5.40 lakh.

In the all-rounders' category, the Calicut Globstars signed Abdul Basid for Rs 8 lakh, while the Alleppey Ripples secured Abhijith Praveen for Rs 6 lakh. The Kollam Sailors also signed M. Ajnas for Rs 7 lakh and Anand Krishnan for Rs 5.20 lakh.

Each franchise had a salary cap of Rs 50 lakh. The Trivandrum Royals, Alleppey Ripples, and Kochi Blue Tigers fully utilized their budgets, while the Kollam Sailors spent Rs 49.75 lakh, the Calicut Globstars Rs 49.70 lakh, and the Thrissur Titans Rs 49.35 lakh.

The defending champions, Kochi Blue Tigers, will kick off their title defense against the Kollam Sailors, while the opening match between the Calicut Globstars and Thrissur Titans will mark the start of the league's third season.

With a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent from Kerala, the KCL aims to build on the success of its previous seasons as it embarks on this new chapter.