Chapter 1 : Introduction

A warm summer breeze carried the murmurs of excitement as fans across the nation prepared for a festival of cricket unlike any other. The Global Cricket Fiesta (GCF) 2025 was set to dazzle stadiums and living rooms alike—a celebration of heroics, rivalries, and the unpredictable magic of the game. With each toss of the coin and every practiced drive, the cricketing world braced itself for a season destined to etch new legends into history.

Across this vibrant arena, ten franchises—each with its own storied legacy and distinct style—geared up for battles that would light up the scoreboard and capture hearts. Below is an introduction to these teams and the men who would soldier on the field, their names tweaked just enough to spark fresh narratives in this edition of the game.

Chennai Royal Titans

Led by the masterful Riturik Gaikar (c), the Royal Titans blend tradition with flair. Their roster showcases a mix of veteran composure and youthful exuberance.

Squad:

• Riturik Gaikar (c), Mahesh Dhoni, Ravin Jadeja, Shivam Dubey, Matheesh Pathiran, Nazim Ahmad, Ravi Ashwin, Devon Konway, Sayeed Khalil Ahmed, Rachin Ravin, Rahul Tripathy, Vijay Shankr, Sam Curron, Shaik Rashed, Anshul Kamraj, Mukesh Chaudary, Deepak Huda, Gurjanpreet Sing, Natan Ellis, Jaimy Overton, Kamalesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrish Ghosh, Shreyas Gopal, Vansh Bedi, Andre Sidarth.

Delhi Citadels

Celebrated for their innovative play and dynamic energy, the Citadels boast a lineup where experience meets daring experimentation.

Squad:

• Karan Rahul, Jace Fraser-MacGurk, Karan Nair, Abhijeet Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Aksar Patel, Kuldip Yadav, T. Natraj, Mitchell Starce, Samir Rizwi, Ashok Sharma, Mohin Sharma, Faf du Pressis, Mukesh Kumaar, Darshan Nalkand, Vipraj Nigum, Dushmantha Chamera, Donovan Ferreir, Ajay Mandall, Manvant Kumar, Tripuran Vijay, Madhav Tiwary.

Withdrawn: Henry Brook.

Gujarat Gladiators

A squad forged in the fire of competition, the Gladiators mix aggressive pace with calculated craft, steered by their inspirational captain.

Squad:

• Shivam Gill (c), Joseph Buttlar, B. Sai Sudarshan, Shahruk Khan, Kagiso Rabaar, Mohamed Siraj, Prasidh Krishan, Rahul Tewati, Rashid Kahn, Nishanth Sindhu, Mahipal Lomar, Kumar Kushagar, Anuj Rawatt, Manav Suthaar, Washinton Sundar, Gerald Coetze, Mohammad Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Singh Brarr, Sherfane Rutherford, R. Sai Kishorr, Ishant Sharmar, Jayant Yadaver, Glen Phillips, Karim Janat, Kulwant Khejrolia.

Kolkata Royal Knights

Renowned for their elegant strokeplay and explosive finishes, the Royal Knights attract attention with both seasoned expertise and daring new talent.

Squad:

• Ajit Rahane (c), Rikun Singh, Quentin de Cock, Rahmanullah Gurbas, Ankush Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Ayer, Ramandeep Singha, Andrew Russell, Anrich Nort, Harshad Rana, Sunil Narayn, Varun Chakaravarthi, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markand, Rowman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Jonson, Luvnith Sisodiya, Anukal Roy, Moeen Aly, Umran Malek.

Injured: Umran Malek.

Mumbai Maharajas

Under the inspired leadership of Harik Pandya (c), the Maharajas are noted for their fearless approach and elegant performances that have delighted fans for generations.

Squad:

• Harik Pandya (c), Jaspreet Bumrah, Rohit Sharmar, Tilak Varma, Trent Bolt, Naman Dhir, Robin Mins, Karan Sharma, Ryan Rickleton, Deepak Chahur, Will Jax, Ashwin Kumar, Mitchell Santnar, Reece Topley, Shrijith Krishnann, Raj Angad Bawaa, Venkat Satyanarayan Raju, Bevan Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Vignesh Puthur, Suryakumar Yadaver.

Injury replacements: Allah Ghazanfar and Lizaad Williams have been replaced by Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Corbin Bosch.

Lucknow Legends

Captained by the dynamic Rishaan Pant, the Legends possess an uncanny ability to blend raw aggression with masterful technique, setting the stage for spectacular comebacks.

Squad:

• Rishaan Pant (c), Davin Miller, Aidan Markram, Nikolai Pooran, Mitchel Marsh, Avish Khan, Mayank Yadaver, Mohsin Khaan, Ravi Bisnoy, Abdul Samad, Aryan Juyal, Akash Deep, Himmat Singh, M Siddarth, Digvash Singh, Shahbaz Ahmead, Akash Sing, Shamar Josif, Princel Yadav, Yuvraj Chaudary, Rajvardan Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, Mathew Breetzke.

Injured: Mitchel Marsh, Mayank Yadaver.

Punjab Monarchs

With a rich heritage instilled in every play, the Monarchs personify discipline and flair alike. Their campaign, led by seasoned skipper Shreyas Nayar (c), is poised to capture the hearts of an entire nation.

Squad:

• Shreyas Nayar (c), Yuzvindar Chahal, Arshdeep Singha, Markus Stoinis, Glen Maxwell, Shashank Sing, Prabhsimran Sing, Harpreet Brarr, Vijaykumaar Vyshak, Yash Thakoor, Marko Jansen, Josh Ingliss, Locky Ferguson, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harnoor Pannu, Kuldeep Sen, Priyansh Aryaa, Aaron Hardye, Musheer Khaan, Suryansh Shedge, Xaviel Bartlett, Pylar Avinash, Pravin Dubey, Nehal Wadhera.

Injured: Locky Ferguson.

Rajasthan Regal

A symbol of tradition reimagined, the Regal team blends youthful exuberance with the wisdom of experience. Captained by Sanjeev Samson (c), they are all set to dazzle the cricketing world.

Squad:

• Sanjeev Samson (c), Yashashvi Jaiswal, Riyan Paragg, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmair, Sandeep Sharmar, Jofra Archir, Wainindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikey Singh, Nitish Rana, Tushar Deshpandey, Shubham Dubey, Yudhveer Charak, Fazal Faroqi, Vaibhav Suryavansi, Kvena Maphaka, Kunal Rathorr, Ashok Sharmar.

Bengaluru Challengers

A team that thrives on calculated risk and bold moves, the Challengers are led by the ever-spirited Rajat Patidaar (c). Their squad promises to challenge conventions on every ball.

Squad:

• Rajat Patidaar (c), Virat Kohlee, Yash Dayaal, Josh Hazlewoode, Phil Salter, Jitesh Sharmar, Liam Livingston, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharmar, Krunal Pandyaa, Bhuvneshwar Kumaar, Swapnil Sing, Tim Davied, Romario Sheperd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandagg, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidii, Abhinandan Sing, Mohit Ratee.

Injured: Josh Hazlewoode.

Hyderabad Sunrises

Illuminated by a blend of traditional grit and modern innovation, the Sunrises are set to dazzle audiences under the calm leadership of Patrick Cummins (c).

Squad:

• Patrick Cummins (c), Travis Heed, Abhishek Sharmar, Heinrich Claszen, Nitin Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Shami, Harshal Patell, Rahul Chaharr, Adam Zamper, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manoharr, Simarjit Singh, Zeeshan Ansar, Jaydev Unadkat, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Vermaa, Eshan Malinga, Sachin Babee.

As the sun dipped below the horizon on the eve of the tournament, the stage was set for a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. In stadiums illuminated by roaring crowds and shimmering digital displays, the Global Cricket Fiesta 2025 was ready to rewrite the playbook of modern cricket. Each team—steeped in its own legacy and brimming with fresh faces—stood poised to create moments of brilliance that would be celebrated for years to come.

Let the games begin.