Cuttack:21/2/24:As directed by CM Naveen Patnaik, Chairman 5T, and NabinOdisha, Kartik Pandian visited Barabati stadium and discussed with Odisha Cricket Association President Pranab Prakash Das and other officials regarding cricket development in state. He reviewed plans for the transformation of Barabati cricket stadium with 60,000 seating capacity to be taken up under 5T transformation initiative of Odisha Govt.
BarabatiStadium area will be developed into a world-class sports campus with best facilities for cricketers and other sports disciplines. Spectators will experience international standards in terms of access to stadium right from roads to parking to the galleries, comfortable viewing of matches, and facilities like food courts, washrooms, etc. The campus will also have facilities for other sports disciplines.
The area adjacent to Barabati stadium will be developed for a retail mall along with 5-star hotel and office spaces. The area in front of the stadium will be developed as a public plaza and will become one of main open public spaces for citizens of Cuttack.
Interacting with coaches & players, the 5T Chairman assured cricket development will be a priority and cricket training centers with quality coaching will be developed across state to make Odisha a major emerging state in the field of cricket. To improve the competitiveness of Odisha cricket players, he suggested starting a high-standard State-level cricket league this year with proper broadcast facilities. This will help all budding cricketers to showcase talent & help in improving their skills.
The 5T Chairman said that women’s cricket will be a major focus area. Odisha has women cricketers who have been displaying exceptional talent at the national level. To further encourage and promote women’s cricket development, Odisha Women’s Cricket Academy will be started in Puri shortly. The Odisha Cricket Academy in Cuttack will be further upgraded to provide the best coaching facilities for cricketers across all age groups.