Cuttack: Sports promoter Pankaj Lochan Mohanty is all set to head Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) as its president.
“Only one nomination from Pankaj Lochan Mohanty for the vacant post of the president was received on the scheduled date, i.e., 12/02/2025. No objection was received against the nomination. The undersigned scrutinized the nomination and found the same in order. Hence the nomination of Pankaj Lochan Mohanty was accepted as a valid one,” the Office of OCA Electoral Officer said on Saturday.
The last day for withdrawal of candidature was February 14 and no withdrawal application was filed on behalf of the only candidate whose nomination was found valid, it further stated.
“Under the circumstances, in exercise of the power conferred under Rule- 32 of the Rules and Regulations of Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), the undersigned, does, hereby, announce that the only nomination filed by Pankaj Lochan Mohanty is valid and uncontested,” the notification read.
A formal declaration of election to the vacant post of the President is expected soon.
“Mohanty is expected to resign as the vice president anytime prior to the Special General Meeting scheduled for February 23, 2025, which is a technical requirement, and once this hurdle gets removed the winning certificate would be handed over him the same day,” it added.
Mohanty, who is MGM Group chairman, is currently also the working president of the OCA. He had earlier served as the president of the association from 2019 to 2022 and stepped down to pave way for BJD leader and former Minister Pranab Prakash Das.
The post of OCA president fell vacant in December last year following the resignation of Das after a change of guards in Odisha.
