CUTTACK 01-May-2013 345
The second edition of Odisha Premier League (OPL-II), the state version of Indian Premier League (IPL), got off to a colourful start at Barabati Stadium here today. The opening ceremony, featuring song and dance performance by Odia cine artists Anubhab, Navya, Papu Pompom, Abhijit Majumdar, Muskan and Amit Dance Group, turned out to be a grand entertainment show.
Urban Development Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Barabati MLA Debasis Samantaray, Cuttack Mayor Soumendra Ghosh, OCA president Ranjib Biswal, secretary Asirbad Behera and other office-bearers of the state body were present on the occasion.
But absence of franchises, low payment for players and a new format reduced OPL to a low-key event this time. Players` auction became redundant as franchisees stayed away following their bitter experience (their source of investment in the inaugural edition came under Income Tax and Crime Branch probe.
