Cuttack: In a significant stride for cricket in Odisha, Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) President Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty was spotted on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, evening at the iconic Barabati Stadium alongside SIMBU, the official mascot of the Odisha PRO T20 League.
The event not only highlighted the OCA’s commitment to the league but also saw Shri Mohanty personally recognizing the day’s top performer, adding a personal touch to the tournament’s professional framework.
Following the thrilling encounter between Cuttack Panthers and Keonjhar Miners, OCA Chief Shri Mohanty had the honor of presenting the Man of the Match award to Biplab Samantray.
The seasoned all-rounder delivered a sensational performance, claiming five wickets for just 18 runs to dismantle the Keonjhar Miners’ batting lineup. His heroic effort with the ball was followed by a crucial knock of 43 runs, anchoring the Cuttack Panthers’ successful chase and securing a five-wicket victory for his team.
Shri Mohanty, who was elected unopposed as the OCA president in February 2025, has been a driving force in promoting cricket across the state.
His leadership is marked by a clear focus on grassroots development and providing professional opportunities for local talent. Beyond his role at the OCA, Shri Mohanty is also the Chairman and Managing Director of MGM Group of Industries and has been instrumental in establishing the MGM School of Sports, a high-performance cricket academy that has partnered with “Coaching Beyond,” founded by former Indian coach Ravi Shastri.
This initiative, which focuses on nurturing young cricketers, underscores his dedication to building a robust cricketing ecosystem in Odisha.
he Odisha PRO T20 League, which commenced on September 17, is more than just a tournament; it is a strategic initiative designed to unearth and groom the next generation of cricketing talent in Odisha.
Platform for Emerging Talent: The league is providing a vital stage for young cricketers to showcase their skills in a professional, competitive environment.
Professional Exposure: Modeled on the popular Indian Premier League (IPL) format, the league offers players invaluable experience, exposure, and a taste of high-octane T20 cricket.
The presence of renowned cricketers like Irfan Pathan and Debashish Mohanty as League Ambassadors further elevates its profile and offers mentorship opportunities.
Financial Incentives: With a prize money pool that includes significant rewards for the champions, runners-up, and individual performers, the league provides financial stability and motivation for the players.
Infrastructure Development: The league’s organization at the Barabati Stadium showcases the OCA’s modern infrastructure and its capability to host high-profile tournaments. This, in turn, helps in attracting more cricketing events to the state.
Shri Mohanty’s presence with the league’s mascot, SIMBU, symbolizes the OCA’s commitment to making the Odisha PRO T20 League a grand success.
The league’s success is not only a victory for the OCA but also a promising sign for the future of cricket in the state, offering a clear pathway for aspiring cricketers to reach the national and international stage.