Anjana Singh, one of the ambassadors of Bhojpuri Dabang

Bhojpuri movie buffs would now get to cheer their local heroes when the third edition of Celebrity Cricket League begins in February next year.

Bhojpuri Dabang, the team comprising Bhojpuri actors, would fight it out against seven other teams. Salman Khan and Sunil Shetty would formally announce the inclusion of the team on October 14.

A member of Bhojpuri Dabang team said: “We were trying to play in the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) for the past two years but things did not work out. Our team has finally been included. It is a great achievement for us. Bhojpuri language is spoken in so many countries, and we deserve the same respect that the other regional teams are getting.”

The team member also thanked Salman Khan for his support, which ensured that they finally got the opportunity to make it to the tournament.

Apart from Bhojpuri Dabang, another team consisting of Marathi actors will feature in the next edition of CCL.

The two new teams would join Mumbai Heroes, Chennai Rhinos, Karnataka Bulldozers, Telugu Warriors, Kerala Strikers and Bengal Tigers, the other members of CCL.

Sources said 16 league matches would be played during the tournament and Bhojpuri Dabang will play its first match against Bengal Tigers in Calcutta. The Dabangs would play four matches in the league stage.

Expressing excitement over the inclusion of the Bhojpuri team in the CCL, a renowned Bhojpuri actor who has worked in Bollywood told The Telegraph: “It is a great news for the Bhojpuri industry and we hope the world will now look at us with greater respect. Such cricket leagues help the actors interact with the stars of other states.”

Paakhi Hegde, Rinku Ghosh and Anjana Singh would be the brand ambassadors for the team. Each match would be of five overs and only six players can be a part of a team in a match.