Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has taken several important decisions, including setting up of a new cricket academy, increasing players’ pension money and releasing their outstanding amount since 2016-17. This was announced by OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera in a press conference at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack today.
The decisions were taken at the Apex Council Meeting of OCA on 31 July 2020 through
virtual platform. OCA president Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, secretary Sanjay Behera, vice-president Akshya Kumar Samant, joint-secretary Mehtab Khan, treasure Bikash Pradhan, Apex Council Elected Member Suvasish Senapati, CAG Odisha Nominated Member Deepak Raghu, ICA nominated members Abakash Khatua (male), Rashmita Mohanty (female) and OCA CEO Subrat Kumar Behera participated in the meeting.
According to the decisions, the new international-standard academy would be set up over an area of 20-40 acres between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. The academy will have 2-3 cricket fields and all other modern amenities such as practice wickets, match fields, swimming pool, sand pit, gym, rehab room, residential complexes recreation room etc. The proposed budget of this academy has been estimates as Rs 50 approximate.
The Apex Council also decided to renovate Barabati Stadium, the Mecca of cricket in Odisha. The renovation works include repair of Gallery No 7, Club House, Sachin Tendulkar Indoor hall, OCA academy, Barabati Stadium Ground.
It was also decided to help develop infrastructure facility of OCA affiliated units and provide equipments as well as coach for the development of cricketers at the grassroots level.
Another decision was taken to start Coach Development Program for the existing coaches and also for those who aspire to become cricket coach through a virtual platform. Similarly, OCA would also start players strengthening & conditioning program through virtual platform in order to keep our players fit and match ready.
Based on proposal of ICA nominated members Abakash Khatua Abakash Khatua, the Apex Council approved to release the outstanding pension money of around Rs 60 lakh to First-Class cricketers of the state. The outstanding is due since 2016-17.
According to Secretary Behera, OCA would also increase the the pension amount from the year 2020-21. According to the decision, players who have played 1 to 4 matches (43 players) would get Rs 2,500 per month, instead of Rs 1,500. Similarly, monthly pension amount for 5-14 matches (27 players) will be increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500 and for 15-24 matches (15 players) from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000.
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PHOTO: OCA Chief Executive Officer Subrat Behera briefs mediapersons at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on 1 August, 2020.