Cuttack, May 17: Big bucks and glamour are set to stage a comeback in the next edition of the Odisha Premier League (OPL) with the state cricket association deciding to reintroduce player auction.

The decision comes in the wake of poor turnout in OPL-II that concluded yesterday with Chilika clinching the trophy.

“We have decided to include franchise owners again from next year while management of the tournament will be our responsibility. They will be allowed to spend only Rs 10 lakh on players while bidding and can also select the name of their respective teams, preferably after cities, districts and towns of Odisha,” said Odisha Cricket Association secretary Ashirbad Behera.

On May 13, The Telegraph had reported that the OPL, to be held in March next year, would feature 10 teams assigned to various private parties. However, franchise owners will not be required to pay any fee to the association in exchange for owning a team.

“They can arrange for sponsorship from various sources to promote their teams, jerseys for their players and transportation as the matches of the OPL-III will be played at four venues, apart from Barabati Stadium in Cuttack,” said Behera. The association will provide logistic support and take care of accommodation of the teams, he said.

An official of the association said the OPL-III would be organised before the Indian Premier League commences. “We will also try to host the final on the occasion of Utkal Divas on April 1. It is a public holiday and many people will turn up for the match,” he said.