Puri: Nine days before Team India face off against South Africa in a T20 International at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium, the first ticket for the match was presented to Lord Jagannath at the Shree Jagannath Temple here on Sunday.
Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Sanjay Behera offered the ticket for the December 9 T20I as a mark of reverence and respect to Lord Jagannath.
The ticket was dedicated at the sacred feet of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath as a symbolic invitation, seeking His divine blessings.
“On behalf of OCA, Sanjay Behera, sought the blessings of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath for the smooth and successful conduct of the upcoming international match at Barabati Stadium on 9th December 2025,” OCA said in a press release.
Puri District Athletic Association secretary Rabi Shankar Pratihari and OCA member Santosh Das were also present during the special occasion.
The five-match T20I series will get underway after three ODIs between India and South Africa. The Cuttack T20I (Dec 9) will be followed by matches in New Chandigarh (Dec 11), Dharamsala (Dec 14), Lucknow (Dec 17) and Ahmedabad (Dec 19).
