After getting the snub from the investors and sponsors last year, the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) took a bold and daring step to organise the second edition of the Odisha Premier League (OPL). The biggest T20 cricket extravaganza of the state kicked off on May 1 at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.
OCA Secretary proudly announced that the OPL will have a women’s edition next year during the launch of OPL 2. This time, the OCA has pegged the entire OPL budget at Rs 2 crore. The association will bear all the expenses in the absence of the franchises.
Unlike 2011, the teams have got different names to uphold the cultural heritage of the country. The eight teams have been identified as Barabati, Dhauli, Baitarini, Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Rushikulya, Konark and Chilika. The tournament will be held at Barabati Stadium (May 2 to 12) and at VSS stadium, Sambalpur (May 3 to 8).
The winning team will get a prize money of Rs 3 lakh along with a beautiful trophy, while the runners-up team will get Rs 2 lakh. The most expensive OPL player of 2011, will miss the tournament, as he is busy playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 6.
