Actor Sameera Reddy, who is the brand ambassador of the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) team Chennai Rhinos, is thrilled with the response the second edition of the tournament has received. Calling the on-going event, which is taking place in Dubai, a rare occasion, she says, “It brings actors from all across the country on one platform.  There are two things that run the country film and cricket. And this has brought them together.”

And Reddy wasn’t the only one cheering for the teams. Giving her company in the stands were fellow Bollywood actors Genelia D’Souza, Kangana Ranaut and Sonakshi Sinha. This season will also see six teams participate Mumbai Heroes, Bengal Tigers, Chennai Rhinos, Karnataka Bulldozers, Telegu Warriors and Kerala Strikers.

The teams will be playing 18 matches comprising 20 overs each. Going by the response the league has garnered this edition, Reddy is convinced that it has the potential to become as big and popular as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“The format is similar to that of the IPL. And CCL is picking up very well in terms of ticket sales and the audience it is gathering, because heroes from different states are playing against each other is an exciting thing to watch,” says Reddy.

And even though her team was defeated by Salman Khan’s Mumbai Heroes at the onset of the tournament at Sharjah, she isn’t disappointed. “Salman has really put together a fantastic team and the Bollywood represented by him automatically soars the interest.” Reddy will soon be seen in Priyadarshan’s Tezz, along with Anil Kapoor and Ajay Devgn.