Revived after a gap of one year, OPL-II, featuring eight teams and 176 players, is being solely funded by host Odisha Cricket Association, which has estimated a budget of Rs 2 crore for the purpose. Altogether 28 matches will take place at two venues _ Barabati Stadium and VSS Stadium (Sambalpur). The final will be played at Barabati Stadium on May 12 and the champion team will be richer by Rs 3 lakhs.
The 176 players have been divided into five grades and their fees for the tournament have been fixed as Grade-A Rs 50,000, Grade-B Rs 40,000, Grade-C Rs 30,000, Grade-D Rs 20,000 and Grade-E Rs 10,000.
Western Samurai Rourkela, led by Natraj Behera, emerged champions in the first edition, defeating Barabati Tigers in the final by four runs. Barabati Tigers captain Biplab Samantaray, the costliest player of the tournament, lived up to his price tag of Rs 4.6 lakhs by becoming the player of the tournament, which fetched him a Ford Figo car and a cash prize of Rs 25,000.
OPL-I, which made transaction of over Rs 7 crore, delivered a profit of Rs 1.19 crore to OCA. But in OPL-II, OCA will be loser by Rs 2 crore. However, OCA secretary Asirbad Behera said that the state body would not mind incurring the loss as it would immensely benefit cricket and cricketers of the state.
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TOP: Eight captains of OPL-II at the opening ceremony in Cuttack on May 1, 2013.
RIGHT: Cheer girls perform at OPL opening match in Cuttack on May 2, 2013.