Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) today decided to include out-of-state cricketers in the State senior mens team as guest players. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of OCA, which was held under the chairmanship of secretary Sanjay Behera.

The meeting was attended by OCA joint-secretary Prabhat Bhol, treasurer Bikash Pradhan, nominated Apex Council member Pawan Agrawal, cricket consultants and for international cricketers Debashis Mohanty and Sanjay Raul, along with the members of the senior mens selection committee and the head coach of the Odisha senior mens team.

It was suggested in the meeting that six shortlisted out-of-state players, who participated in the recently concluded OCA Club League, may be invited to participate in the forthcoming State senior mens selection trial matches. It was unanimously decided that applications received from eligible out-of-state players seeking engagement as guest players may also be considered for selection in the Odisha senior mens team, subject to the requirements of the team and the applicable provisions of the BCCI.

The meeting noted that during the 2025-26 domestic season, 21 state cricket associations utilized the services of guest players for their respective teams, as permitted under the BCCI regulations. Accordingly, OCA approved the provision for the engagement of out-of-state guest players for the Odisha senior mens team, in the larger interest of strengthening the competitiveness and overall performance of the team.

It was also decided that the final decision regarding the engagement of guest players shall be taken by the senior mens selection committee and head coach of the senior mens team, based on the requirements of the team.