BJD strongman Pranab Prakash (Bobby) Das was elected as the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA)president unopposed in the electionson Friday.
The other five candidates, all belonging to Das’ panel, contesting for various OCA posts in the OCA were elected unopposed in the polls.
While MLA Das emerged as the president, Sanjay Behera was elected as secretary for a second time.Bikash Pradhan retained his position as the treasurer.
After being elected as the OCA president, Das said focus would be laid on creating cricketers at the grassroots level and up-gradation of the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
“We will focus on cricket infrastructure development in all 30 districts. We will make initiative to bring new talents and develop cricket in rural areas,” Das said, adding, “The steps will be taken under supervision of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to upgrade the Barabati Stadium into a world-class cricket stadium.
When asked about prioritising cricket over hockey, he said, “As cricket is the most popular game; we will make efforts for its development accordingly. As far as hockey is concerned, the CM has taken the particular game into new height by developing infrastructure in Odisha, for which Men’s Hockey World League and Hockey World Cup were held here for two consecutive periods.”
