Kataka: The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA)-organised inaugural Odisha T20 League (OTL) for the CM Trophy will kick off at Barabati Stadium on Sunday with Kataka Panthers taking on Sambalpur Warriors at 7.30 pm.
Kataka Panthers (previously Cuttack Panthers) beat Sambalpur Warriors to win the Odisha Pro T20 League, the tournament in its 2025 avatar.
Rourkela Superstars, one of the six franchise teams in fray, unveiled their jersey for the T20 league in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
Santusht Bhatia, co-owner of the Rourkela franchise, emphasised the team’s commitment to nurture young cricketers from Odisha and offer them opportunities to advance.
“Our vision is to promote young cricketing talent from Odisha and provide promising players with the opportunity to perform on a bigger stage. We want to create a strong pathway where players from across the state can gain valuable exposure, develop their skills and learn from experienced cricketers. The aim is to help them progress to higher levels of the game and, eventually, represent Odisha and the country,” Bhatia said.
Parth Luthra, another co-owner of Rourkela Superstars, expressed confidence in the squad.
“I am very excited about the team we have put together for the tournament. We have a well-balanced and competitive squad, with several players bringing valuable Ranji Trophy experience to the side. I believe the combination of experience and young talent gives us a strong team, and we are confident of putting up a good show and competing strongly throughout the tournament,” Luthra said.
The final of OTL is scheduled for September 29.