Cuttack: The grand old Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, a venue steeped in cricketing history, is buzzing with an energy it hasn’t felt in years.
With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has just announced the updated schedule for the international home season of 2025, and among the marquee fixtures, Cuttack has secured the honor of hosting the first T20I between India and South Africa on December 9th.
Odisha Cricket Association President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty is happy. This isn’t just another match; for the people of Odisha, it’s a homecoming, a return to the international stage, said a beaming OCA Chief Shri Mohanty.
For years, the Barabati Stadium, with its iconic floodlights casting a golden glow over the Mahanadi River, was a regular feature on India’s cricketing calendar. It witnessed legendary knocks, nail-biting finishes, and the thunderous roar of passionate fans. From the World Cups of ’87 and ’96 to memorable ODIs and T20Is, the stadium has etched itself into the memories of countless cricket enthusiasts.
However, as newer, more modern venues with state-of-the-art facilities sprouted across the country, Barabati’s prominence began to wane. International matches became scarcer, leaving a void in the hearts of Odia fans who yearned to see their heroes in action on home soil. The last T20I played here was in June 2022, and an ODI in February 2025 was the first in six years, highlighting the long wait.
Now, with the announcement of the India-South Africa T20I, a wave of excitement has swept through Cuttack. The air is thick with anticipation. Shopkeepers are already envisioning bustling streets, hotels are preparing for an influx of visitors, and local cricket clubs are abuzz with discussions about the upcoming clash. This is more than just a game; it’s a revival, a chance for the city to once again showcase its deep love for cricket and its capacity to host major international events.
The match, set to begin at 7 PM on a Tuesday evening in December, promises to be a spectacle. The Barabati faithful, known for their unwavering support and vibrant cheers, will undoubtedly fill every seat, transforming the stadium into a cauldron of noise and color. They will be there not just to witness a T20I, but to celebrate the return of international cricket to their beloved venue.
While Cuttack prepares for its grand moment, the rest of the South Africa series will unfold across India:
- 2nd T20I: New Chandigarh on December 11 (Thursday)
- 3rd T20I: Dharamsala on December 14 (Sunday)
- 4th T20I: Lucknow on December 17 (Wednesday)
- 5th T20I: Ahmedabad on December 19 (Friday)
Before the T20Is, the two nations will engage in a fierce battle of the red ball:
- 1st Test (IDFC First Bank Test series): Kolkata on November 14 (shifted from New Delhi as per updated schedule)
- 2nd Test: Guwahati on November 22
And a series of one-day encounters:
- 1st ODI: Ranchi on November 30
- 2nd ODI: Raipur on December 3
- 3rd ODI: Vizag on December 6
The BCCI’s updated schedule also includes a South Africa A tour of India, featuring two multi-day matches and three one-day games. The multi-day matches will be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru (October 30, November 6), and the one-day games will be played in Rajkot (November 13, 16, 19).
But for Cuttack, December 9th will be a date etched in history. It’s not just about a match; it’s about reclaiming its place in the cricketing landscape, a testament to the enduring passion of its people, and a promise of many more thrilling encounters to come. The Barabati Stadium is ready to roar again.