Fantasy
How to Play CPL Fantasy Cricket 2026: Rules and Points
The official CPL fantasy game gives each manager £100m to pick 15 players, set a starting XI and compete across 14 gameweeks.
In brief
CPL Fantasy Cricket 2026 rules at a glance
- Managers have a virtual £100m budget to select a 15-player CPL squad.
- A starting XI, four substitutes, captain and vice-captain must be chosen.
- Captains score double points and vice-captains receive a 1.5-times multiplier.
- The season runs across 14 gameweeks with transfers, substitutions and wildcard-style Googlies.
How to enter the CPL Fantasy Cricket game
The official CPL Fantasy Cricket game is free to enter through The Cricket Draft. Registration is open to supporters of all ages and countries, and a team can be created before the first match on Friday, 7 August.
After registering, each manager receives a virtual £100m budget. That money must cover 15 players drawn from the confirmed CPL 2026 squads.
Build a balanced 15-player squad
A fantasy squad needs batters, bowlers, all-rounders and wicketkeepers from across the tournament. Established international players cost more, so managers must balance headline names with lower-priced selections who could earn regular minutes.
The squad is divided into a starting XI and four substitutes. Managers can adjust the formation to favour batting or bowling, provided the selected team meets the positional rules inside the game.
Choose your captain and vice-captain
Captaincy can decide a fantasy gameweek. The captain earns twice his normal score, while the vice-captain receives a 1.5-times multiplier.
Selection should account for role as well as reputation. A top-order batter may face more deliveries, while a new-ball bowler or trusted death bowler can have more wicket-taking opportunities. The CPL 2026 schedule helps managers compare each player's upcoming fixtures.
How CPL fantasy points are scored
Players collect fantasy points from their performances in CPL matches. Runs, wickets, catches and run-outs all count towards the team total.
The scoring system also rewards major milestones and efficiency. Batting strike rate, bowling economy, half-centuries and five-wicket hauls can change a player's return, so one strong all-round performance may have a large effect on a gameweek.
Transfers, substitutes and Googlies
The CPL fantasy season is split into 14 gameweeks. Managers receive transfer options in each block and can change their squad to respond to injuries, team rotation, fixture volume or player form. Extra changes may carry a points penalty.
Googlies work as wildcard-style tools for changing strategy during the season. If a starting player does not appear, the game automatically brings in the highest-priced eligible substitute from the bench.
Private leagues and the entry deadline
Every team enters the global competition, while managers can also create or join public and private leagues. Private leagues make it possible to compete directly with friends, family, colleagues or cricket club teammates.
The official guide asks managers to complete their opening selections before 7:00pm AST on Friday, 7 August. The earlier CPL fantasy game announcement explains the partnership behind the competition.