Odisha, the official sponsor of Indian Hockey for both men and women till 2033, will also focus on the development of cricket and set up cricket training centres with quality coaching facilities across the state.

The aim will be to make Odisha a major emerging state in the field of cricket and also focus on the development of women's cricket, officials maintained.

Barabati stadium, one of the best-known cricket stadiums in the country, located in the millennium city Cuttack, will be developed into a world-class sports complex with the best possible facilities for cricketers and other sports disciplines.

General secretary, Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), Sanjay Behera said: “The iconic Barabati stadium built in 1952 will be completely demolished. It will be newly built with the support of the Odisha government in collaboration with the Odisha Cricket Association and the BCCI. It was decided during the visit of chairman 5T (transformational initiative) and Nabin Odisha (government welfare scheme), V.K. Pandian, to the Barabati stadium on Wednesday. The stadium's seating capacity will be increased from 42,000 to 60,000.”

At Barabati, Pandian discussed issues like how to promote the cause of cricket with the OCA president Pranab Prakash Das and other officials.

Officials said the area adjacent to the Barabati stadium will be developed for a retail mall along with 5-star hotel and office spaces. The area in front of the stadium will be developed as a public plaza and will become one of the main open public spaces for the citizens of Cuttack.

“The spectators will experience international standards in terms of the access to the stadium right from roads to parking to the galleries, comfortable viewing of the matches and facilities like food courts, washrooms etc. The campus will also have facilities for other sports disciplines,” a release said.

It was decided that Odisha Women's Cricket Academy would be started in Puri shortly to encourage and promote women's cricket. “Women's cricket will be a major focus area. Odisha has women cricketers who have been displaying exceptional talent at the national level. To further encourage and promote women's cricket development, Odisha Women Cricket Academy will be started in Puri soon,” said Pandian.

To improve the competitiveness of the Odisha cricket players, a high-standard state-level cricket league this year with proper broadcast facilities will start. “This will help all the budding cricketers to showcase their talent and help in improving their skills,” officials said.