MUMBAI: Actors have long been instrumental in reshaping public opinion and driving societal change, and the newly announced Celeb Paw-er Play Cricket League (CPPCL) is one such initiative. Conceptualised by actor Hunar Hali and marketer & former journalist Aarti Notiyal, the league was unveiled at a press conference on 21st August at Luft – The Air, Mumbai.
With the theme “Stars Bat for Strays,” the initiative brings together celebrities, influencers, journalists, and fans for a cricket league that goes beyond entertainment. The goal Is to harness celebrity visibility to foster co-existence between people and strays through compassion and scientifically informed solutions—moving away from fear-based tactics or sheltering, and instead demonstrating a humane approach that safeguards both public safety and animal rights.
The CPPCL will feature six celebrity-led teams competing in high-energy 5-over matches. Instead of opting for a conventional fundraiser or gala, the organisers chose cricket, India’s most loved sport, as a dynamic and emotionally engaging platform to spread awareness. Funds generated through brand partnerships and media support will directly aid YODA (Youth Organisation in Defence of Animals) for stray animal welfare.
Teams Announced:
Divyaa Aggarwal – Fierce Companions (Purple/Red)
Falak Naaz – Street Saviours (Pink)
Shiny Doshi – Stray Spartans (Black & Gold)
Hunar Hali – Stray Amigos (Black & Red)
Sara Arfeen Khan – The Protectors (Red & White)
Karan Mehra – Indie Nights ( Orange and White)
The announcement event witnessed the presence of several notable celebrities including Iqbal Khan, Ragini Khanna, Kamini Khanna,Shiny Doshi, Kanwar Dhillon, Divyaa Aggarwa, Rajan Shahi,Ishika Shahi, Sara Arfeen Khan ,Nandita Mehra, Nivedita Basu, among others.
Speaking about the initiative, Hunar Hali and Aarti Notiyal emphasised that CPPCL is not merely cricket, but a movement to transform the beloved game into a platform for compassion and change enhancing the lives of strays while uniting communities through sport.
Hunar said, ”As actors, our voices reach far and wide, and with CPPCL, we want to use that reach to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves the strays. Through this league, we are not just playing a sport, we are batting for kindness and a safer, more humane coexistence”.
“This initiative is very close to my heart because it blends two things I deeply believe in the power of storytelling and compassion for strays. With CPPCL, we are showing that cricket can be more than entertainment; it can spark awareness, empathy, and change at scale”, Aarti Notiyal added.
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