Odisha gears up for exciting Ind vs Eng ODI: Legendary lounge set up at Barabati Stadium, tickets to be sold in counter from tomorrow

The cricket-crazy state of Odisha is eagerly awaiting the one-day international (ODI) match between India and England scheduled to take place at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on February 9. Tickets for this much-anticipated clash have been swiftly snapped up online, with counter sales set to begin for the general public from tomorrow.

In a unique move, the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has set up a ‘Legendary Lounge’, celebrating the state’s 30 illustrious personalities who have excelled in their respective fields. The lounge will host revered Padma awardees including poet Haladhar Nag, musician Jitendra Haripal, litterateur Pratibha Satpathy, sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik, dancer Aruna Mohanty, and sculptor Sudarshan Sahoo, offering them the best seats in the house to view the match.

“We are thankful to OCA for planning to honour the illustrious personalities of the State,” said Haladhar Nag.

“Those who have made the country proud from the State have been invited to witness the match. I think OCA has taken this kind of step for the first time in the country which is praiseworthy,” said Sudarsan Pattnaik.

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With only four days remaining until the eventful Super Sunday, preparations have reached a fever pitch. The Central Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) conducted a crucial meeting to oversee final preparations, ensuring that all aspects are meticulously planned for a flawless execution.

“The government has assured to extend all kinds of help in the last two preparatory meetings. Central Revenue Divisional Commissioner conducted a crucial meeting to oversee final preparations and held discussions with all the departments for the flawless execution of the meticulously prepared plans. All have expressed their commitment to complete their work in the next couple of days,” said OCA CEO Subrat Behera.

For fans travelling to the stadium, extensive parking has been arranged across five strategic locations, accommodating approximately 25,000 vehicles. Food quality and pricing will be closely monitored by a team of five officials led by the Deputy Collector to uphold standards.

To enhance the experience for those unable to enter the stadium, as many as three fan parks will operate across the lower and upper Bali Yatra grounds. Meanwhile, the Commissionerate Police will deploy a total of 17 platoons of force, ensuring security as ticket counters open at 9 am.

“The administration has many responsibilities including food safety, electric safety and structural safety and we are fully prepared for it,” said Central Revenue Divisional Commissioner B Parameswaran.

“As many as two lines for men and one line for women have been set up. We request people to come in line and collect tickets from the counter in a disciplined manner,” said Cuttack ADCP Amarandra Panda.

The day-night match is fuelling palpable excitement among cricket enthusiasts, encapsulating the vibrant spirit of fans both locally and nationally.