Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2026 Launched at Barabati Stadium

Odisha T20 League CM Trophy launched at Barabati Stadium to identify rural cricket talent and provide young players with a global platform.

By OdishaConnect On Sep 21, 2026

A new chapter was added to Odisha’s sporting journey with the launch of the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2026 at the historic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Saturday.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the tournament, with cricket becoming the fifth sport under the Chief Minister’s Trophy after football, kho-kho, kabaddi and volleyball.

The league aims to identify and promote rural cricket talent from across Odisha’s 30 districts and provide young players with a larger platform to showcase their skills.

Raina and Devashish Mohanty Named Ambassadors

Former India international cricketer Suresh Raina and former Odisha cricketer Devashish Mohanty have been associated with the league as its ambassadors.

Speaking at the event, Majhi said the changing sports landscape in India and the growing popularity of T20 and league cricket have created new career opportunities for young players. He expressed hope that the league would help selectors identify promising talent and produce more national and IPL-level cricketers from Odisha.

Raina praised the Odisha Government’s initiative, saying such efforts would encourage young players to pursue cricket and help more talented cricketers emerge from the state.

Major Push for Sports Infrastructure

Majhi said the government is constructing modern stadiums across all 314 blocks of Odisha at an estimated cost of Rs 4,124 crore. A high-tech sports complex is also proposed at Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar.

He further said the government is committed to fully renovating Barabati Stadium and developing it into one of the country’s leading sporting venues.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the Odisha Cricket Association’s initiative to establish an Under-14 cricket academy.

Six Teams Take Part

The CM congratulated all six participating teams, their captains, coaches and cricket enthusiasts. The inauguration ceremony was attended by several legislators, OCA office-bearers, former cricketers, coaches, players and other distinguished guests.