Cuttack, Sep 27 (NationPress) The inaugural Odisha Pro T20 League 2025 reached an exhilarating finale on Friday evening at Barabati Stadium, where the Cuttack Panthers triumphed over the Sambalpur Warriors by a narrow margin of five runs, claiming the first-ever title.

In a gripping showdown, the Panthers showcased their composure under pressure to emerge as champions, while the Warriors put up a commendable fight to secure the runner-up position.

This thrilling tournament, spanning from September 17 to 26, featured six competitive teams: Cuttack Panthers, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Puri Titans, Sambalpur Warriors, Rourkela Steelers, and Keonjhar Miners. The event concluded with a spectacular final match, followed by a dazzling closing ceremony.

Adding to the event's prestige, renowned former India cricketers Maninder Singh, Chetan Sharma, and Narendra Hirwani were honored by OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty and Secretary Sanjay Behera, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to Indian cricket. The match officials were also appreciated for their roles in facilitating the tournament, with accolades presented by Treasurer Bikash Pradhan and Joint Secretary Prabhat Bhol.

The awards ceremony celebrated the league's exceptional talents. Raaz Yadav from 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 was bestowed upon Adithya Rout of Sambalpur Warriors, who was awarded a trophy and Rs 75,000 by Arivaa Sports Co-Founder Avishek Mazumder.

Other notable recognitions included Pappu Roy of Keonjhar Miners as Best Bowler with a prize of Rs 50,000, while Gaurav Choudhary of Bhubaneswar Tigers claimed the Best Batter title, also receiving Rs 50,000. The prestigious Player of the League accolade went to veteran Biplab Samantray of Cuttack Panthers, who received a trophy and a cheque of Rs 1,00,000 from Asirbad Behera.

In team accolades, the resilient Sambalpur Warriors received the runner-up trophy along with a cheque of Rs 25,00,000, presented by OCA officials. The champions, Cuttack Panthers, lifted the coveted trophy and were awarded a cheque of Rs 50,00,000, presented by Pankaj Lochan Mohanty and Sanjay Behera amidst roaring applause.