Cuttack: Former Team India allrounder Irfan Pathan, who has been named as an ambassador for the Odisha Pro T20 League (OPTL) 2025, expressed optimism that the inaugural edition of the franchise-based league will greatly benefit Odisha cricket.
Speaking at the jersey launch event of the six teams, Irfan said that the development of cricket under Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has been ‘commendable’, and opined that players from the state will soon find a place in the national team again.
“With 41 academies established across 30 districts, along with a strong school and club cricket development structure, it is only a matter of time before Odisha players find their place in the Indian team,” Irfan said. The trio of Shiv Sunder Das, Debashish Mohanty – also named as a League ambassador — and Sanjay Raul played for India in the late 1990s and early years of the new millennium.
“The state leagues are a feeder for the IPL, and this season will provide a great platform for players. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the youngsters, and I have already received loads of love here in Odisha,” added Irfan.
Besides League ambassador Irfan, the six marquee players and captains – Suryakant Pradhan of Bhubaneswar Tigers (BT), Swastik Samal of Cuttack Panthers (CP), Subhranshu Senapati of Sambalpur Warriors (SW), Govinda Poddar of Keonjhar Miners (KM), Aashirwad Swain of Rourkela Steelers (RS) and Sandeep Pattanaik of Puri Titans (PT) – graced the event in their respective colours.
Team ambassadors of the six teams were also present.
* Narendra Hirwani – Ambassador, Cuttack Panthers
* Sritam Das – Ambassador, Keonjhar Miners
* Elina Samantaray – Ambassador, Bhubaneswar Tigers
* Supriya Nayak – Ambassador, Puri Titans
* Sailendra Samantaray – Ambassador, Rourkela Steelers
* Sheetal Das – Ambassador, Sambalpur Warriors.
OCA secretary Sanjay Behera expressed heartfelt gratitude to Irfan and Debashish Mohanty for taking on the role of League Ambassadors, stating that their association will add great value and visibility to the Odisha Pro T20 League.
