Cuttack, September 21 (Udaipur Kiran) : The Odisha T20 League 2026 officially began on Sunday at the renowned Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi graced the opening ceremony as the chief guest.
Fans were treated to inspiring speeches from former Indian cricketers and league ambassadors Suresh Raina and Debashish Mohanty. During the event, the Chief Minister honored both players along with the owners of all six participating teams.
Raina, who serves as the tournament’s brand ambassador, urged young cricketers to make the most of this opportunity. He praised the efforts behind the successful organization of the event, stating, “My message to all players is simple: play hard, play fair, and most importantly, enjoy the game. This is a fantastic chance for you to showcase your skills, learn from experience, and advance your game.”
Debashish Mohanty echoed Raina’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of providing young players a platform to compete and gain valuable experience. He remarked, “The Odisha T20 League offers a wonderful opportunity for young cricketers to display their talent and compete in a professional environment. Such tournaments can provide players with the confidence and experience they need to progress in their careers. I am glad to be associated with this league and wish all teams and players the best for this season.”
Sanjay Behera, secretary of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), expressed pride in the involvement of Raina and Mohanty, believing their presence would inspire the young participants. He stated, “Having Suresh Raina and Debashish Mohanty associated with the Odisha T20 League is a matter of great pride for us. Both have represented India at the highest levels and have made significant contributions to Indian cricket. Their experience and presence will motivate our young players and provide them an opportunity to learn from those who have played at the top level.”
The opening ceremony also featured a special entertainment segment, with Bollywood actress Mouni Roy captivating the audience with her dance performance. Her presence heightened the excitement among the spectators gathered at Barabati Stadium for the tournament’s kickoff.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.