Cuttack: Cricket fans in Odisha can anticipate an exciting tournament as the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy makes its return. From September 20 to 29, six franchises will vie for the title at the historic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
This tournament, named the CM Trophy in honor of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi’s commitment to promoting cricket and sports in Odisha, will provide an essential opportunity for the state’s emerging cricketers to showcase their skills on a prominent stage.
The participating teams include the Cuttack Panthers, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Rourkela Steelers, Keonjhar Miners, Puri Titans, and Sambalpur Warriors. A player draft is set to take place on September 6, ahead of the tournament comprising 17 matches.
For young cricketers in Odisha, this league presents a chance to engage in competitive T20 cricket under lights at one of the state’s most revered venues, Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
With experienced players, coaching staff, and franchise support, the tournament is expected to equip young athletes with valuable match experience, serving as a crucial stepping stone in their careers.
The trophy unveiling occurred in the presence of officials from the Odisha Cricket Association, marking the official launch of the tournament’s second season. Key attendees included Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, President of OCA; Prabhat Bhol, Joint Secretary; Bikash Pradhan, Treasurer; and Pratap Chandra Pradhan, an Apex Council Member.
In the previous edition, the Cuttack Panthers claimed the championship, and this season, the six teams are eager to build on that competitive spirit as they contend for the trophy.
Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, President of the Odisha Cricket Association, remarked, “The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy is a significant initiative to enhance the cricketing landscape in the state. Our aim goes beyond merely organizing a competitive tournament; we want to create a venue where young players can excel, learn, and grow. We aspire for Odisha’s gifted cricketers to gain the exposure necessary to advance their careers.”
The league will focus on elevating the visibility of Odisha’s players. By hosting matches at Barabati Stadium and broadcasting them to a wider audience, young athletes will have improved opportunities to attract the attention of scouts and teams beyond the state.
This league is anticipated to enable Odisha’s players to perform in front of a much larger crowd, potentially drawing interest from IPL franchises. “The league will provide a unique opportunity for Odisha’s players to demonstrate their talent at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Over the span of 10 days and 17 matches, they will have the chance to shine on a significant platform,” he added.
The broader outreach of the league may also help pave the way for promising players to advance into larger domestic and franchise competitions. “We have observed players in various other leagues transition from domestic T20 cricket to the IPL and eventually to the national team. We hope that at least a few players from the 2026 season can enter the IPL auction for the subsequent season. Achieving that would be a major milestone for the league and for cricket in Odisha,” he stated.
The 17-match tournament is scheduled for Barabati Stadium from September 20 to 29, culminating with an exhibition women’s match on the final day. The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy, featuring six franchises and a pool of eager young cricketers, aims to be more than just a domestic T20 event; it seeks to inspire Odisha’s emerging talents to aim higher, perform under pressure, and embark on their journey toward premier opportunities in cricket.
