Cuttack, Sep 18: The iconic Barabati Stadium came alive with excitement as the inaugural edition of the Odisha Pro T20 League (OPTL) 2025 was officially launched on September 17.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi rang the ceremonial bell to mark the beginning of the tournament, hosted jointly by the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) and Ariva Sports.

The opening ceremony was a vibrant celebration of cricketing spirit, featuring cultural performances and the unveiling of the league trophy. CM Majhi praised the efforts of OCA officials and welcomed former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan as the League’s Brand Ambassador. “This is not just a league, it’s a celebration of cricketing excellence,” he said.

Also Read: HI Launches Countdown to Historic Centenary Celebration

The first match saw Cuttack Panthers captain Swastik Samal win the toss and elect to bowl against Bhubaneswar Tigers. The event was attended by dignitaries including OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera, Commissioner of Police S Dev Datta Singh, and MLAs Souvic Biswal and Prakash Chandra Sethi.

Adding a touch of glamour, the evening featured performances by Ruturaj Mohanty, Rapper Pratik, Nakash Aziz, and a special dance act by Chitrangada Singh. Sambalpuri folk and Malkhamb dance acts showcased Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.

In a heartwarming gesture, the OCA donated ₹5 lakh to Adruta Children Homes to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday.

The league will run until September 26, offering a platform for emerging cricket talent across Odisha.