Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) and the state administration to ensure flawless arrangements for the upcoming India–South Africa T20 International scheduled at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, on December 9.
Calling the high-profile event a “matter of Odisha’s prestige,” the Chief Minister said the match would attract national and international attention and must be conducted “without a single lapse.”
CM Holds Review Meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan
According to sources, CM Majhi chaired a high-level review meeting with OCA members, district officials, and senior bureaucrats at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the CM emphasized the need for seamless coordination between the OCA and district administration for crowd control, ticket management, emergency medical support, traffic regulation, and uninterrupted power supply during the match.
“Every aspect — from lighting and logistics to crowd safety — must be handled with precision. Odisha’s reputation as a sports destination depends on our performance,” the CM reportedly told officials.
Enhanced Infrastructure and Safety Protocols
As part of the preparations, additional generator sets will be installed to prevent power interruptions during the night match. A new monitoring software system is being introduced to track lighting, technical operations, and power usage in real time.
Stadium authorities have been instructed to reinspect all electrical systems, security cameras, and safety mechanisms, while mock drills will be conducted to test emergency responses.
The OCA has also been advised to prioritise online ticket sales to avoid crowding and ensure transparency. Detailed guidelines regarding ticket distribution and stadium entry are expected soon.
Barabati’s Big Comeback After Past Glitches
The Barabati Stadium has previously faced challenges during major international fixtures. In February 2025, the India–England T20 match witnessed a 30-minute delay after floodlights failed mid-game. Similarly, during a 2015 India–South Africa T20, crowd unrest led to a temporary suspension of international matches at the venue.
Learning from these incidents, the state government has mandated multiple pre-event inspections and system checks this time to ensure a smooth and incident-free event.
A Return to the International Spotlight
The December 9 fixture will mark Barabati Stadium’s return to the international stage after several months and will see South Africa playing in Cuttack after many years. Excitement is already building among cricket fans across Odisha, as the iconic venue prepares to showcase its readiness for global-level cricket once again.
