Cuttack, 17th September 2025: The cricketing spirit in Odisha reached new heights as the Odisha Pro T20 League (OPT 2025) began with a grand opening ceremony at the historic Barabati Stadium, Cuttack. The event was nothing short of a festival, featuring a vibrant mix of cricket, culture, and celebration that left fans buzzing with excitement.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Unveils Trophy and Inspires Players
The event was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, who unveiled the official league trophy, symbolizing the start of this highly anticipated T20 tournament. In his address, the Chief Minister called the league “a celebration of cricketing excellence” and extended gratitude to the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) office bearers and stakeholders for making OPTL 2025 a reality.
He also warmly welcomed Irfan Pathan, who has been announced as the League Brand Ambassador, noting that his presence would inspire young cricketers to showcase their talent and take Odisha cricket to the next level.
Opening Match: Cuttack Panthers vs Bhubaneswar Tigers
Following the trophy unveiling, the Chief Minister spun the coin for the inaugural match of OPTL 2025. Swastik Samal, captain of Cuttack Panthers, won the toss and chose to bat first against Bhubaneswar Tigers. Before the first ball was bowled, a traditional bell-ringing ceremony was held, adding a touch of heritage to the modern cricket league.
Cultural Extravaganza Lights Up the Ceremony
The grand opening was more than just about cricket – it was a celebration of Odisha’s rich culture. The audience was treated to mesmerizing performances by:
- Ruturaj Mohanty – electrifying musical act
- Rapper Pratik – energizing rap performance
- Sambalpuri Folk Dance & Malkhamb Dance – showcasing Odisha’s tradition
- Nakash Aziz – lively Bollywood performance
- Chitrangada Singh – special dance act adding glamour
Dignitaries and Special Guests
The event was attended by:
- Sj. Souvic Biswal (Hon’ble MLA, Cuttack-Choudwar)
- Sj. Prakash Chandra Sethi (Hon’ble MLA, Cuttack-Sadar)
- Sj. Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde (IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Cuttack)
- Dr. Asirbad Behera (Secretary, Football Association of Odisha & Chairman, Odisha Athletics Association)
- Mr. Kshitij Gupta (Director & Co-Founder, Arivaa)
- Ms. Tanishq Jain (Owner, Rourkela Steelers Franchise)
- Mr. Shailendra Behera (Owner, Cuttack Panthers Franchise)
OCA’s Commitment to Society
The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), under the leadership of Secretary Shri Sanjay Behera, announced a special contribution of ₹5,00,000 to Adruta Children Homes on the occasion of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s birthday. This initiative reflects OCA’s commitment to extend support beyond cricket and towards social welfare.
League Brand Ambassador’s Message
Irfan Pathan thanked the organizers for the opportunity and encouraged young cricketers to make full use of this platform to showcase their skills and gain national exposure.
Why OPTL 2025 Matters
The Odisha Pro T20 League is expected to give a massive boost to the cricketing ecosystem in the state by providing local players a platform to compete at a professional level. With top-notch facilities, strong franchise backing, and high-quality cricketing action, OPTL 2025 is poised to become a premier domestic T20 tournament in India.
As the first ball was bowled at Barabati Stadium, one thing became clear — Odisha cricket has entered a new era. Fans can expect weeks of thrilling matches, nail-biting finishes, and the rise of new cricketing heroes.