Cuttack: Indian cricketers Suresh Raina along with Pragyan Ojha inaugurated a cricket academy in Odisha’s Cuttack district.
The cricket academy, which is promoted by MGM School of Sports, is located at Kapursingh under Athagarh sub-division of the district. The academy has a cricket stadium besides other facilities for training and practice of the players.
Speaking on the occasion, left hand batsman Raina said the stadium has a flat pitch and a green outfield which are good for all types of matches. He hoped that it would offer good opportunities for the budding cricketers of Odisha.
Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Sanjay Kumar Behera said the OCA would try to organise national level cricket matches at the academy’s stadium to encourage the local cricketers.
Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the inaugural function, left arm spinner Pragyan Ojha said Odisha players cannot get a place in the national team unless they perform well in Ranji matches. Unfortunately, Odisha’s show in the domestic circuit has not been upto satisfaction, he added.
Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera, and MGM Group CMD Pankaj Lochan Mohanty were present on the occasion.
