Cuttack: The Cuttack Panthers have been crowned the inaugural champions of the Odisha Pro T20 League (OPTL) 2025, defeating the Sambalpur Warriors by a margin of five runs (via the DLS Method) in a tense, rain-interrupted final at the Barabati Stadium.
The final saw multiple interruptions due to a wet outfield, ultimately reducing the high-stakes match to a thrilling, short-format contest.
The tournament, which featured six teams—Cuttack Panthers, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Puri Titans, Sambalpur Warriors, Rourkela Steelers, and Keonjhar Miners—ran successfully from September 17th to 26th, showcasing competitive cricket across the state.
The post-match presentation ceremony was a glittering affair attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Asirbad Behera (Secretary, FAO & Chairman, OAA), Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty (President, OCA), Shri Sanjay Behera (Secretary, OCA), Shri Prabhat Kumar Bhol (Joint Secretary, OCA), and Shri Bikash Pradhan (Treasurer, OCA).
A special highlight of the evening was the felicitation of former international cricketers Mr. Maninder Singh, Mr. Chetan Sharma, and Mr. Narendra Hirwani by OCA President Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty and Secretary Shri Sanjay Behera. Match Referees and Umpires were also recognized for their vital contributions by Shri Bikash Pradhan and Shri Prabhat Bhol.
The champions, Cuttack Panthers, were presented with the coveted trophy and a grand cheque of ₹50,00,000 by Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty and Shri Sanjay Behera.
The Runners-up, Sambalpur Warriors, received their trophy and a cheque of ₹25,00,000 from the same dignitaries.
The successful conclusion of the inaugural Odisha Pro T20 League has set a high standard for future editions, promising a bright future for cricket in the state.