Cuttack, Aug. 31 (UDN): The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has announced the return of the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy, with six franchise teams set to compete in the second edition of the tournament at the iconic Barabati Stadium from September 20 to 29.
The 10-day competition will feature 17 matches, providing a major platform for emerging cricketers from across the state to showcase their talent in a competitive T20 environment.
Six Franchises in the Fray
The tournament will feature six teams — Cuttack Panthers, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Rourkela Steelers, Keonjhar Miners, Puri Titans, and Sambalpur Warriors.
Ahead of the tournament, a player draft will be held on September 6 to finalise the squads.
The previous edition saw Cuttack Panthers lift the title, and all six franchises will be looking to make a strong statement in the upcoming season.
Platform for Emerging Cricketers
The league has been named the CM Trophy in recognition of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s support for the development of sports and cricket in Odisha.
Organisers believe the tournament will play a crucial role in nurturing young talent by providing exposure to high-quality competition under floodlights at one of Odisha’s premier cricket venues.
With experienced coaches, franchise support and a packed schedule of matches, the event is expected to help young players gain valuable match experience and prepare for higher levels of the game.
OCA Focuses on Talent Development
The tournament trophy was unveiled in the presence of Odisha Cricket Association office-bearers, including OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Joint Secretary Prabhat Bhol, Treasurer Bikash Pradhan, and Apex Council Member Pratap Chandra Pradhan.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohanty said the league is aimed at strengthening Odisha’s cricketing ecosystem and creating opportunities for talented youngsters to perform on a larger stage.
He expressed hope that the tournament would help promising cricketers attract attention from domestic teams and franchise scouts, paving the way for future opportunities in major competitions, including the IPL.
Women’s Exhibition Match on Final Day
Apart from the men’s competition, the tournament will also feature a women’s exhibition match on the final day, adding further excitement to the event.
With six franchises, 17 matches and some of the state’s brightest cricketing talents in action, the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy is expected to be one of the biggest domestic sporting events in Odisha this year, offering young players a valuable opportunity to take the next step in their cricketing journey.