Cuttack Panthers Crowned Inaugural Odisha Pro T20 League Champions

Cuttack Panthers crowned inaugural Odisha Pro T20 League champions (Image Source: IANS)

OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty: The inaugural Odisha Pro T20 League 2025 came to a grand conclusion on Friday night at Barabati Stadium, with the Cuttack Panthers edging past Sambalpur Warriors by five runs in a tense final to lift the maiden trophy.

The Panthers held their nerve in a high-pressure clash to be crowned champions, while the Warriors finished runners-up after a spirited campaign.

The tournament, which ran from September 17 to 26 with six teams — Cuttack Panthers, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Puri Titans, Sambalpur Warriors, Rourkela Steelers, and Keonjhar Miners — saw competitive cricket and a memorable finale capped by a glittering closing ceremony.

Adding to the grandeur, former India internationals Maninder Singh, Chetan Sharma, and Narendra Hirwani were felicitated by OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty and Secretary Sanjay Behera, honouring their contribution to Indian cricket. Match referees and umpires were also recognized for their efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of the tournament, with felicitations carried out by Treasurer Bikash Pradhan and Joint Secretary Prabhat Bhol.

The glittering awards ceremony that followed highlighted the standout performers of the season. Raaz Yadav of Cuttack Panthers was named Player of the Final, receiving a trophy and a cheque of Rs 10,000 from OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty. The Emerging Player of the League Award went to Adithya Rout of Sambalpur Warriors, who received a trophy and cheque of Rs 75,000, presented by Arivaa Sports Co-Founder Avishek Mazumder.

Adding to the grandeur, former India internationals Maninder Singh, Chetan Sharma, and Narendra Hirwani were felicitated by OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty and Secretary Sanjay Behera, honouring their contribution to Indian cricket. Match referees and umpires were also recognized for their efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of the tournament, with felicitations carried out by Treasurer Bikash Pradhan and Joint Secretary Prabhat Bhol.

In the team awards, Sambalpur Warriors, the valiant finalists, received the runner-up trophy along with a cheque of Rs 25,00,000, presented by OCA officials. The champions, Cuttack Panthers, lifted the glittering trophy and received a cheque of Rs 50,00,000, presented by OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty and Secretary Sanjay Behera amid roaring applause.

Article Source: IANS