What Deal Hurt ‘Baby Bhai’? Questions Raised Over Odisha Cricket Politics
Bhubaneswar: A fresh controversy has surfaced in Odisha’s cricket circles, with sharp questions being raised against senior leader Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra, popularly known as “Baby Bhai,” over his recent statements on Odia cricket sentiment. Critics are questioning why concerns about Odia representation in cricket have become vocal now, after nearly 25 years, and what exactly triggered this renewed outcry.
The debate has intensified in the backdrop of developments within the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) under the leadership of its President Pankaj Mohanty. Supporters of the current administration point to visible contributions, including the establishment of a cricket academy at Bali in Dhenkanal district. The academy is expected to provide international-level coaching, with experienced figures such as former India head coach Ravi Shastri, V. Raju, Shekhar Bhai and others associated with the initiative. The move is being projected as a major step toward nurturing young talent from Odisha.
According to OCA officials, cricket academies have also been established across all 30 districts of the state in an effort to identify and groom players from the grassroots level. Members of the association claim that systematic scouting and training structures are being strengthened to ensure wider opportunities for aspiring cricketers.
Amid these developments, several pointed questions have been directed at Baby Bhai. Critics have asked whether he raised his voice when Jay Saha, son of Amit Saha, was not elected as BCCI Secretary as a cricketer. They have also questioned how many times he formally urged the BCCI to include more Odia players in the IPL or the National Cricket Academy. Further, they have sought clarity on whether his recent statements are motivated by genuine concern for cricket development or by aspirations for the OCA President’s post.
Questions have also been raised regarding his contributions to Odisha cricket after becoming an MLA. Critics have asked how often he has raised the concerns of Odia cricketers in BCCI-related discussions and what measurable steps he has taken to support the growth of the sport in the state.
The political dimension of the issue has added another layer to the controversy. Recently, Sanjay Behera was elected as OCA Secretary. Meanwhile, BJP leader Sameer Mohanty serves as President of the Odisha Olympic Association, BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy heads the Odisha Football Association, and BJP MLA Pratap Mohanty of Angul is an active office bearer in OCA. Observers note that leaders from various political backgrounds are holding positions in sports bodies, raising questions about whether the present dispute is rooted in governance concerns or political rivalry.
As the debate continues, stakeholders including the Odisha Cricket Association, BCCI domestic authorities, and the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha are likely to face increased public scrutiny. At the heart of the controversy remains a central question — is the current outcry about genuine concern for Odia cricketers, or does it reflect an internal power struggle within Odisha’s sports administration?
