Kataka : The Keonjhar Miners have been crowned champions of the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy 2026, defeating the Sambalpur Warriors by nine wickets in a commanding final at Barabati Stadium.
Chasing a target of 103, the Miners reached 105/1 in just 10.4 overs, with 56 balls to spare. Mayank Pattanayak led the chase with an unbeaten 72 off 34 balls, while captain Subhranshu Senapati remained unbeaten on 32 off 26 balls. Earlier, the Miners’ bowling unit dismissed the Sambalpur Warriors for 102 in 18.3 overs. The championship victory earned the Keonjhar Miners the official prize money of ₹50 lakh.
The title marks a significant achievement for the Keonjhar Miners, who started their campaign with two consecutive defeats but quickly turned things around. The team stayed united, adapted to the challenges and continued to perform under pressure. Their strong all-round performance in the final completed their turnaround and helped them secure the championship.
For OCL Iron & Steels Limited, the franchise owner of the Keonjhar Miners, the victory is a reflection of the belief, resilience and determination demonstrated by the team throughout its campaign.
Pratyush Manish Khemka, Owner, Keonjhar Miners, said,
“This championship is a testament to belief, resilience and the ability to rise to the occasion. After two consecutive losses, the team showed a true winners’ mindset by staying together, believing in themselves and turning the campaign around. We are immensely proud of the players and the entire team. The trophy is a reflection of their spirit, determination and relentless pursuit of excellence.”
OCL Iron & Steels became the franchise owner of the Keonjhar Miners for the Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy 2026, marking the company’s entry into professional franchise cricket. The association reflects OCL’s commitment to supporting sporting talent and contributing to the development of the sporting ecosystem in the region.
The championship marks a memorable beginning to the Miners’ journey, while creating a sporting identity that the people of Keonjhar can connect with and take pride in.
The Keonjhar Miners’ championship campaign combines a strong on-field performance with a story of perseverance, providing a fitting beginning to the franchise’s journey under OCL Iron & Steels.
****
