Odisha Cricket Association's move to field out-of-state players for Ranji Trophy draws mixed response (Photo Source: Odisha Cricket Association)
The Odisha Cricket Association is set to include Vidarbha's Lalit Yadav and Baroda's Ninad Rathva in its probable squad for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy, a move that has drawn a divided response from officials and former cricketers connected to Odisha cricket. The association is currently running a 33-member pre-season camp featuring a mix of young and experienced players as it shapes its plans for the upcoming domestic season. The decision is grounded in an existing BCCI framework that permits each state association to field a maximum of three guest players from outside its jurisdiction in the Ranji Trophy. Under that policy, guest players are entitled only to the match fee and receive no additional payment from either the state association or the board. The provision does not apply to age-group competitions. Odisha's senior side has found it difficult to register consistent performances in the Ranji Trophy and limited-over domestic formats, regularly finishing near the lower end of the standings. The Under-19, Under-23 and women's teams have similarly struggled to make a meaningful impression in their respective tournaments. Why is OCA looking beyond its own state for players? OCA coach Prabhanjan Mallik pointed to the BCCI guest player rule and highlighted how other associations have used it effectively. He noted that champion sides such as Jammu and Kashmir have fielded players from outside their state, including their captain. He also drew attention to Bengal's experience with the provision. "It's not about a lack of trust. Odia boys have previously played in the semifinals and quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy, One-Day, and T20 tournaments. It's not like that. But the BCCI has a policy. If you look at champion teams like Jammu & Kashmir, even their captain, Dogra, is from outside. BCCI allows three guest players from outside the state to play. The biggest example of this is Bengal. Players like Mohammad Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Shahbaz Ahmed came from outside, played well for Bengal, and went on to play for India, Malik said, as quoted by OdishaTV. "This rule is not new. If any state team has a requirement—such as a left-arm spinner, a fast bowler, a good opening bowler, or an opening batsman—they make adjustments to address the weaknesses of that team. That is why, if we look at the Odisha team's performance last year, we had some issues and a gap existed. To fill that gap, the decision to bring these two players into the team is a very good one," former cricketer Pavan Aggarwal said. Who is questioning the OCA's choice of players? Not all voices within the association are aligned with the specific names under consideration. OCA member Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mahapatra stopped short of opposing the guest player concept outright but raised pointed questions about the calibre of the two players being proposed. "For the entire team's success, if there is a requirement in any department—be it batting or bowling—to bring in a professional player to make a difference in the performance, I am not against it; I would welcome it. But who are these professionals? Two names have come up in front of me now. I don't really feel they are of the calibre to be brought into the Odisha team as professional players," Mahapatra said. The exchange reflects a wider tension within Odisha cricket between seeking rapid improvement through available BCCI provisions and the expectation that the association should prioritise local talent development. As of August 13, 2026, no formal announcement confirming the final squad composition for the 2026-27 season has been made public.