The Odisha Cricket Association has launched a new domestic league, and while the format clearly draws inspiration from larger franchise leagues, it’s aimed at local players first. This is a place for emerging talent to prove themselves in front of selectors, agents, and sponsors.
The new league will include teams from all regions of the state and provide a platform for the Odisha Cricket Team to showcase emerging local talent.
Origins
Amid India’s cricketing glitz and glamour, the state of Odisha stands out as a shining beacon of perseverance. For years, the women of Odisha toiled in relative obscurity, competing against better-equipped teams from Bengal, Railways, and Maharashtra. They struggled to make ends meet and face societal hesitations, yet their talent was undeniable. They endured on dusty fields and with borrowed kits, their passion fueled by a quiet resolve.
But now, the women of Odisha have a new generation to inspire. Their story of grit and grace is one that resonates throughout the nation, a reminder that the road to glory is long and winding, and that every success begins with the smallest steps.
The Odisha Cricket Association, or OCA, is the governing body of all cricket activities in the state of Odisha, India. Its headquarters are located in Cuttack Barabati Stadium complex. It is affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The OCA has a team of experienced coaches, and it organizes national and domestic tournaments.
In the midst of Odisha’s tumultuous political landscape, the OCA is making an effort to promote cricket in the state. The OCA recently hired an international coach, Jaffer Shaikh, who will lead the women’s and men’s cricket teams in a revamped program. This includes training camps, tournaments, and other initiatives.
Ahead of the 2025 World Cup, the OCA has vowed to improve the quality of coaching and match preparations. The OCA has also increased funding for grassroots programs and is working to build a pipeline of young talent. This has allowed them to develop more players who are able to compete with the best in the country.
The OCA is aiming to build the next generation of Odisha cricketers, and its efforts will undoubtedly pay off in the long run. Odisha’s young girls can now see a future in the game, and this is a good thing. It means that the world is theirs for the taking.
Formats
Odisha cricket has a rich and vibrant culture that connects to its heritage. The Odisha T20 league reflects the state’s unique identity with six franchises representing different parts of the state, including Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Kandujhar, Puri, Rourkela, and Sambalpur. The league’s logo features the Konark Wheel, a prominent symbol of Odisha’s culture.
It also incorporates the Kalinga tide, which represents a fearless spirit and the desire to keep moving forward. The logo also represents the sun rising over the horizon, signifying hope and new beginnings. The governing body of Odisha Cricket is the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA). It is headquartered at the Barabati Stadium Complex in Cuttack.
Coaches
The Odisha Cricket Association (abbreviated OCA) is the governing body of cricket activities in the Indian state of Odisha. It manages the Odisha Cricket Team and various facilities, including the Barabati Stadium Complex in Cuttack. It also organises the Odisha Premier League, a state-level Twenty20 tournament modelled on the Indian Premier League.
The OCA has a Cricket Advisory Committee headed by Kishore Mania and Chinmayananda Jena, and is affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Its current head coach is former Odisha and India A all-rounder Pravanjan Mullick, who was appointed for the 2026–27 season. He is also the head coach of Rising Students Club in the Odisha Premier League and technical director of the Odisha Cricket Academy.
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