Cuttack, April 30: A number of young cricketers are sweating it out in the scorching heat to leave their mark in the upcoming second edition of Odisha Premier League (OPL) starting next Thursday.
The players of all the eight participating teams — Barabati, Dhauli, Baitarini, Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Rushikulya, Konark and Chilika — are now going through rigorous practice sessions at Barabati stadium and other grounds in the city.
The OPL has provided a big platform for local cricketers to showcase their talent and they are looking forward to cash in on the opportunity.
“The OPL has provided us with an opportunity to play with state-level players and learn from them,” said Roshan Swain, a member of the Rushikulya team. Swain had played in the first OPL of 2011.
“I had scored over 130 runs in the last OPL season and am looking forward to perform better this season,” he said.
Kameswar Barik, a member of the Subarnarekha team is upbeat because the OPL I had helped him get noticed by the state selectors.
Barik, who had scored 257 runs and was impressive as a wicket-keeper playing for Barabati Tigers, was later selected for the state Ranji squad.
“Though I did not play in the last Ranji season, I was picked for the squad due to my consistent performance in OPL I,” said Barik, who also played in the U-22 tournament.
The eight teams have been selected by the OCA selection committee from a pool of 176 players placed in five grades.
Each team has 22 players including three players each from grade A and B, two each from grade C and D and one player from grade E (local cricketers).
Grade A players will be paid Rs 50,000, grade B players, Rs 40,000, grade C players, Rs 30,000, grade D players, Rs 20,000 and grade E, Rs 10,000.
All the matches of the OPL-II will be played at Barabati Stadium (May 2-12) and VSS Stadium, Sambalpur (May 3-8).
Elaborate arrangements have been made for the inaugural ceremony of OPL-II tomorrow. Odia actors Anubhav, Navya, Pappu Pompom and others will perform live at Barabati Stadium on the occasion.
