Odisha T20 League Kicks Off at Barabati Stadium, Suresh Raina Encourages Young Players

Cuttack, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : The Odisha T20 League 2026 officially commenced on Sunday at the renowned Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Fans enjoyed inspiring speeches from cricket legends and league ambassadors Suresh Raina and Debashis Mohanty during the event.The Chief Minister honored both former players and the owners of the six participating teams. As the league's brand ambassador, Raina encouraged young cricketers to make the most of this opportunity. "I applaud everyone’s hard work in making this wonderful event a success," he said. "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 elevate your game." Debashis Mohanty echoed Raina’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of providing young players with a platform to compete and gain valuable experience."The Odisha T20 League offers a great opportunity for young cricketers to display their talent and compete in a professional environment," he noted. "Such tournaments can provide players with the confidence and experience needed to advance 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), stated that the presence of these two cricketing icons would inspire the young players participating in the tournament."Having Suresh Raina and Debashis Mohanty associated with the Odisha T20 League is a matter of great pride for us. Both have represented India at the highest level and 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 further heightened the excitement among the spectators gathered at Barabati Stadium for the tournament's launch.