Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2025: 6 teams, 17 matches at Barabati Stadium
Synopsis
Odisha's premier domestic franchise tournament is back — six teams, 17 matches, and a player draft on 6 September before the action begins at Barabati Stadium on 20 September. With defending champions Cuttack Panthers in the mix and OCA eyeing IPL pipelines for its best performers, the CM Trophy is positioning itself as more than just a state-level competition.
Key Takeaways
The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy returns for its second edition at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack , from 20 to 29 September 2025 .
Six franchises will compete across 17 matches , including an exhibition women's match on the final day.
The competing teams are Cuttack Panthers , Bhubaneswar Tigers , Rourkela Steelers , Keonjhar Miners , Puri Titans , and Sambalpur Warriors .
The player draft is scheduled for 6 September , ahead of the tournament's start.
Defending champions Cuttack Panthers won the inaugural edition and return to defend their title.
OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty expressed hope that players from the league could enter the IPL auction in future seasons.
The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy returns for its second edition at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, with six franchises set to contest 17 matches between 20 September and 29 September 2025. The tournament is named in honour of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, reflecting his stated commitment to developing cricket and sport across the state.
Six Teams, One Trophy
The competing franchises are Cuttack Panthers, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Rourkela Steelers, Keonjhar Miners, Puri Titans, and Sambalpur Warriors. A player draft is scheduled for 6 September, ahead of the tournament's opening day. Defending champions Cuttack Panthers, who lifted the trophy in the inaugural edition, will be among the sides to beat.
What OCA Said
Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty described the league as a structural investment in the state's cricketing future. 'The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy is an important step towards strengthening the cricketing ecosystem in the state. Our focus is not only on organising a competitive tournament but also on creating a platform where young players can perform, learn and grow. We want Odisha's talented cricketers to get the exposure they need to take their careers forward,' he said.
Mohanty also outlined the league's longer-term ambition, noting that pathways from domestic T20 cricket to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the national team have been established in other states. 'We hope that at least a couple of players from the 2026 season can make their way into the IPL auction for the following season. If that happens, it would be a big achievement for the league and for Odisha cricket,' he added.
Key Officials at the Launch
The trophy was unveiled in the presence of senior OCA office-bearers, formally marking the launch of the second edition. Those present included Pankaj Lochan Mohanty (President), Prabhat Bhol (Joint Secretary), Bikash Pradhan (Treasurer), and Pratap Chandra Pradhan (Apex Council Member).
A Stage Beyond the Boundary
Matches will be played under lights at Barabati Stadium, one of Odisha's most storied cricket venues, and broadcast to a wider audience — a deliberate move to increase the visibility of state-level talent before scouts and franchise selectors. The tournament's final day will also feature an exhibition women's match, signalling an intent to grow the sport across genders in the state.
With the player draft set for 6 September and the first ball bowled on 20 September, the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy is shaping up as the state's most competitive domestic franchise event yet.
Point of View
Not merely a domestic showcase. That is the right instinct, but the proof will be in the player draft quality and broadcast reach. Odisha has produced Test-level talent before; what it has lacked is a sustained, high-visibility domestic structure to catch them early. If the league can secure credible broadcast distribution and attract genuine franchise investment beyond the name, it could become a meaningful feeder. If it remains a well-organised but low-visibility event, the IPL pipeline talk will stay aspirational.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2025?
The Odisha T20 League CM Trophy 2025 will be held at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack from 20 to 29 September 2025, featuring 17 matches across 10 days. The tournament is in its second edition.
Which teams are participating in the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy?
Six franchises are competing: Cuttack Panthers, Bhubaneswar Tigers, Rourkela Steelers, Keonjhar Miners, Puri Titans, and Sambalpur Warriors. Cuttack Panthers are the defending champions from the inaugural edition.
When is the player draft for the Odisha T20 League CM Trophy?
The player draft is scheduled for 6 September 2025, ahead of the tournament's opening on 20 September. The draft will determine the squad composition for all six franchises.
Why is the tournament named the CM Trophy?
The tournament is named the CM Trophy to reflect the support and backing of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for the growth of cricket and sport in the state. It is intended to symbolise the state government's commitment to developing grassroots sporting talent.
What is the significance of the Odisha T20 League for young cricketers?
The league offers young Odisha cricketers competitive T20 experience under lights at Barabati Stadium, with matches broadcast to a wider audience to attract scouts and franchise selectors. OCA President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty has expressed hope that standout performers could earn a place in future IPL auctions.
