Cuttack: The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has received widespread acclaim for the successful and incident-free hosting of the first T20 International between India and South Africa at the Barabati Stadium on December 9.
The event, which saw India secure a dominant 101-run victory, was managed with meticulous planning across all operational aspects, setting a high standard for future international fixtures at the venue.
Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, President of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), has expressed immense satisfaction and pride following the successful conclusion of the first T20 International between India and South Africa at the Barabati Stadium on December 9.
Speaking shortly after the match, which saw a dominant performance by the home team, Shri Mohanty praised the meticulous efforts of all stakeholders, from the OCA staff to the various Government Agencies.
OCA Chief Shri Mohanty expressed gratefulness for Honorable Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi’s all out kind support for the International Event.
“This T20 International was not just a great cricket match, it was an organisational triumph for Odisha,” OCA Boss Shri Mohanty said. “The successful execution of this event, which was conducted flawlessly and safely, is a testament to the hard work put in by every single person involved—the OCA committees, the Police Administration, the fire services, and the Cuttack District Administration.”
He specifically highlighted the success of the crowd management and security plans, which ensured a secure environment despite the massive turnout. “The Chief Minister, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, had personally directed us to ensure flawless arrangements to uphold Odisha’s reputation as a world-class host for major events. I am very happy to confirm that we met that directive with complete success,” he added.
Shri Mohanty also acknowledged the efforts to introduce the new red-soil pitch, a crucial step in upgrading the venue’s international profile. “The pitch played well, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying. This event will go a long way in reinforcing Barabati Stadium’s stature on the international cricket map,” he concluded, while thanking the fans for their overwhelming and disciplined support.
The key to the event’s success was the implementation of a comprehensive security and traffic plan. In close coordination with the Odisha Police, the OCA executed a multi-layered security system around the stadium, deploying numerous platoons to manage the massive crowd that converged on the 42,000-capacity venue.
A secure Green Corridor ensured the safe and timely movement of both the Indian and South African teams, who were given a grand welcome. Traffic management on the critical Bhubaneswar-Cuttack highway was effective, with fans advised to arrive hours early to facilitate smooth entry. Police teams were also active in combating black-marketing of tickets.
A significant operational achievement was the successful use of a new red-soil pitch, marking its debut at the Barabati Stadium. The pitch provided a balanced surface for the high-octane T20 match, offering good pace and bounce which led to a competitive contest. The ground facilities and outfield conditions were universally rated as excellent.
Learning from past experiences, the OCA ensured uninterrupted match proceedings by fortifying the stadium’s critical infrastructure. Additional generators and a sophisticated monitoring system were deployed to guarantee continuous floodlight illumination, which proved flawless throughout the evening. Spectator safety was prioritised with enhanced fire safety measures and readily available medical services for the huge turnout, which included the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The event’s flawless execution reinforces the Barabati Stadium’s reputation as a reliable international cricket venue, pointed out a former International Cricketer.