Cuttack, Odisha, February 8, 2025: The much-anticipated inaugural MGM T20 Championship 2025 commenced today at the MGM School of Sports in Kapursingh, Cuttack, Odisha, marking a significant milestone in the state’s sporting calendar. Organized in collaboration with Coaching Beyond, a premier cricket institute founded by former Team India coaches Shri Ravi Shastri, Shri Bharat Arun, and Shri R Sridhar, the tournament is designed to identify emerging cricket talent, nurture young athletes, and strengthen the sporting ecosystem in Odisha. Scheduled to run from February 8 to February 11, the four-day championship promises a combination of competitive cricket, talent exposure, and professional-level sporting management.
The tournament features teams from the MGM School of Sports alongside squads from the Coaching Beyond Cricket Excellence Centres based in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Vadodara. By bringing together diverse teams from across India, the championship aims to provide a platform where local players can measure their skills against some of the best young cricketers from other states, thereby enhancing the competitive standard and overall quality of cricket in Odisha.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Ravi Shastri and Shri Bharat Arun, who lauded the initiative for its role in promoting grassroots cricket. The event was further enriched by the presence of cricketing veterans including former international bowler Shri Venkatapathy Raju and Odisha’s renowned international cricketer Shri Debashish Mohanty, whose participation highlighted the importance of mentorship and guidance for budding players. The presence of these luminaries not only inspired the participants but also underscored the significance of structured, high-quality cricket tournaments in shaping the future of the sport in the state.
Shri Ravi Shastri, addressing the gathering, expressed his admiration for the infrastructure and facilities at MGM School of Sports, stating, “MGM School of Sports boasts world-class infrastructure and residential facilities to help young cricketers grow and improve. The MGM T20 Championship 2025 is a great opportunity for players to showcase their talent, develop their skills in a competitive environment, and chase their dreams of making it to professional cricket.” His remarks emphasized the role of well-managed tournaments in bridging the gap between grassroots cricket and professional-level opportunities.
Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, CMD of MGM Group, elaborated on the broader vision behind the championship, saying, “We are thrilled to host the MGM T20 Championship 2025 and provide a promising platform for emerging cricketers. This tournament is not just about competition; it is about creating opportunities, inspiring young talent, and strengthening the foundation of cricket in Odisha. With cricket gaining immense popularity across India, events like this play a crucial role in developing the next generation of cricketers while fostering a sense of professionalism, discipline, and sportsmanship.”
The MGM T20 Championship is set to be more than just a sporting event; it functions as a critical platform for talent identification, scouting, and mentorship. Coaches, scouts, and potential sponsors closely monitor the performances of participants, providing young players with exposure, guidance, and opportunities to progress to higher levels of competition. The tournament also encourages teamwork, strategic thinking, and resilience, helping athletes develop the mental and physical skills necessary for professional sports.
Through hosting a professionally managed cricket championship of this scale, MGM School of Sports continues to reinforce its commitment to nurturing young athletes in Odisha. By combining high-quality training facilities, competitive play, and mentorship from experienced professionals, the MGM T20 Championship 2025 is poised to become a landmark event in Odisha’s sporting landscape. It not only showcases emerging talent but also inspires the local community, engages cricket enthusiasts, and highlights the potential of Odisha as a hub for cricketing excellence. The event represents a significant step toward strengthening the state’s sports ecosystem and fostering a culture where young athletes can pursue cricket as a serious career, equipped with the skills, exposure, and opportunities required to excel at national and international levels.
This edition of the MGM T20 Championship promises thrilling matches, high-octane cricketing action, and a celebration of talent, dedication, and passion for the game, firmly establishing itself as a key platform for developing and promoting cricket in Odisha.
