Cricket has been played in Odisha since the early 20th century, and the state has produced several talented cricketers over the years. The Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) was formed in 1949, and since then, cricket has become one of the most popular sports in the state.
The first recorded cricket match in Odisha took place in 1900 when a team of British soldiers played a match against the locals in Cuttack. However, the sport gained popularity in the state after independence, and the first Ranji Trophy match featuring Odisha was played in 1952.
Over the years, Odisha has produced several renowned cricketers, including Pravanjan Mullick, Suresh Kumar, Debasis Mohanty, Shiv Sundar Das, and Haladhar Das. These players have represented the state in domestic tournaments and have also played for the Indian cricket team.
The Barabati Stadium in Cuttack is the main cricket stadium in the state and has hosted several international matches, including ODIs and T20Is. The stadium has a seating capacity of around 45,000 and is considered one of the best cricketing venues in the country.
The Odisha Cricket Association has been taking several initiatives to promote the sport and develop cricketing talent in the state. The association has been organizing various tournaments and competitions, including the Odisha Premier League, to provide a platform for young cricketers to showcase their skills.
In recent years, cricket in Odisha has seen significant growth, with the state hosting several domestic tournaments and providing opportunities for young cricketers to make a name for themselves. With the government's support and infrastructure development, the future of cricket in Odisha looks promising.
List of Cricket Websites, Cricketers from Orissa State with information like Asian Cricket Council, Orissa Cricket Association, Cuttack, International Cricket Council etc