India’s Fast-Emerging Sports League Arrives in Odisha: A New Chapter in the State’s Sporting Revolution

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India] September 12: Odisha made its debut in the internationally recognised Legends League Cricket (LLC) T-20 with the introduction of its own team, Team Konark Suryas Odisha, owned by SANPRIYA Group. This addition marked a significant milestone for the state as it further established itself as a growing hub for sports in India. The league, which brought together cricket legends from across the world, featured Team Konark Suryas Odisha alongside teams such as India Capitals Delhi, Gujarat Giants Gujarat, Manipal Tigers Bengaluru, Urbanrisers Hyderabad and Southern Super Stars Chennai.

The team’s name is inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Konark Sun Temple, symbolising Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. The official launch of Team Konark Suryas Odisha took place in Bhubaneswar with Mr. Sanjay Behera, Secretary, Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), present to underscore the importance of this event for the state. He emphasised that the introduction of this T-20 franchise team, brought by the SANPRIYA Group, will help boost sports infrastructure in Odisha and provide the state’s youth with greater access to international-level sports opportunities.

The team, captained by Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, features notable players including Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Vinay Kumar, Rajesh Bishnoi, Shahbaz Nadeem, Pravin Tambe, Diwesh Pathania, K P Appanna & Natraj Behera (Odisha) from India and international stars like Ross Taylor from New Zealand, Kevin O’ Brien from Ireland, Ben Laughlin from Australia, Richard Levi from South Africa, Navin Stewart and Fidel Edwards from West Indies and Dilshan Munaweera from Sri Lanka.