Kataka: The Bharat Masala Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy got off to a vibrant start at the iconic Barabati Stadium here on Sunday evening with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ringing the ceremonial bell to mark the start of the tournament.
“Today, participated in the inaugural programme of the ‘Odisha T-20 League CM Trophy’ at Cuttack’s historic Barabati Stadium. After football, kho-kho, kabaddi, and volleyball, cricket has now also been included in the CM Trophy, which has provided a strong platform for all grassroots talents in the state to showcase their best sporting skills,” Majhi posted on X and shared pictures from the opening ceremony.
The Odisha CM also mentioned former India cricketers Suresh Raina and Odisha’s Debasish Mohanty, brand ambassadors of the league, who were among distinguished dignitaries present at the opening ceremony.
କଟକର ଐତିହାସିକ ବାରବାଟୀ ଷ୍ଟାଡିୟମରେ ଆଜି ‘ଓଡ଼ିଶା ଟି-୨୦ ଲିଗ୍ ସିଏମ୍ ଟ୍ରଫି’ର ଶୁଭାରମ୍ଭ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମରେ ଯୋଗଦେଲି।
ଫୁଟବଲ୍, ଖୋ-ଖୋ, କବାଡ଼ି ଓ ଭଲିବଲ୍ ପରେ ଏବେ କ୍ରିକେଟ୍ ମଧ୍ୟ ସିଏମ୍ ଟ୍ରଫିରେ ଯୋଡ଼ି ହୋଇଛି, ଯାହା ରାଜ୍ୟର ସମସ୍ତ ତୃଣମୂଳ ପ୍ରତିଭାଙ୍କୁ ନିଜର ଶ୍ରେଷ୍ଠ କ୍ରୀଡ଼ା କୌଶଳ ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ ପାଇଁ ଏକ ସୁଦୃଢ଼ ପ୍ଲାଟଫର୍ମ… pic.twitter.com/IIwpC8p096
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) September 20, 2026
Raina congratulated the organisers and urged the young cricketers to make the most of the opportunity.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate everyone for the effort they have put in to bring together such a wonderful event. For all the players, my message is simple — play hard, play fair and, most importantly, enjoy the process. This is a great opportunity for all of you to showcase your talent, learn from the experience and take your game forward,” Raina said.
Mohanty also praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of providing young players with a platform to compete and gain valuable exposure.
“The Odisha T20 League is a wonderful opportunity for young cricketers to showcase their talent and compete in a professional environment. A tournament like this can give players the confidence and experience they need to take the next step in their careers. I am happy to be associated with the league and wish all the teams and players the very best for the season,” Mohanty said.
Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) secretary Sanjay Behera said the presence of the two former national team cricketers will inspire the young players taking part in the tournament.
Mouni Roy entertains crowd
The opening ceremony featured a special entertainment segment, with Bollywood actress Mouni Roy taking centrestage and captivating the audience with her dance performance.
Popular Ollywood personalities — Boomika, Shivani, Swapa, Ellina, Sheetal and Cookies — were present at the ceremony as brand ambassadors of the six teams.
Kits were distributed to 41 cricket academies affiliated with the OCA in the presence of CM Majhi and other dignitaries. Kits were also given to the players of Late Dr Hare Krushna Mahtab Feeder Centre.
For the opening match, Kataka Panthers won the toss and opted to field against Sambalpur Warriors.