By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Ashirbad Behera and his son Sanjay Behera have dominated the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) for over two decades through long tenures in key positions. Ashirwad served as Honorary Secretary from June 2000 to January 2017 (nearly 17 years). His son Sanjay has been Secretary since his election in September 2019 and continues in that role.
This father-son control has drawn criticism as a “family fiefdom” or dynasty-style administration, with another relative (R. Behera) having served as President in the 1980s.
Critics argue the on-field impact has been limited: Odisha (competing since the 1950s) has never won a Ranji Trophy or major domestic title. Performance has been inconsistent at best, with accusations that long family control led to stagnation rather than growth.
Ashirwad also faced serious controversy — CBI arrest in 2019 over alleged links to the Artha Tatwa chit fund scam (Rs 1 crore shown as sponsorship for Ranji team/OPL but allegedly used to promote the firm). He received bail and reportedly a clean chit later, but it damaged the image.
Why they appear to fear or resist elections as per Lodha Committee recommendations
The Lodha Committee (Supreme Court-mandated reforms for BCCI and state associations, implemented from 2016–17) aimed to end monopolies, introduce transparency, age/tenure limits (no one over 70, max 3 consecutive years + cooling-off period, total caps), one-person-one-post, apex council structure, and fair “one district one vote” elections. It directly targeted long-term office-bearers like Ashirwad (then 73+ and 17-year tenure), who had to resign in early 2017 along with the president.
Key reasons for resistance/delays:
History of postponements: In 2016–17, OCA delayed elections waiting for Supreme Court review of Lodha. Ashirwad stepped down only after SC orders. Sanjay was elected in 2019 (his father even voted from jail via postal ballot in a controversial poll).
Current delays (as of Feb 2026): The 3-year term post-2022 elections ended around October 2025. A Special General Body Meeting saw member Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra (former BCCI member/ex-MLA) walk out, accusing the leadership of deliberately delaying polls in violation of norms. He alleged a “handful of individuals” have controlled OCA for years, financial mismanagement, and irregularities; he demanded a special audit and plans to approach BCCI/CM. 16 other state associations have completed Lodha-compliant elections.
Official excuse: Sanjay Behera (Secretary) and President Pankaj Lochan Mohanty claim a “unanimous” (67/73 members) decision to wait for the new National Sports Governance Act/Sports Bill 2025 and BCCI directives, shifting away from strict Lodha guidelines. They say elections will happen only after the new framework is notified (citing international matches, etc.). Critics call this a pretext to cling to power.
In short, the duo (and current office-bearers) benefit from the status quo. Full Lodha-style elections (or even new Act compliance with fresh polls) risk ending long family influence, enforcing term limits (Sanjay has already served 6+ years), inviting scrutiny over finances/past controversies, and opening the door to new leadership. This pattern of resistance matches Lodha’s original goal: breaking entrenched control in state cricket bodies. Other states have adapted and held elections successfully. The situation remains fluid with ongoing disputes, legal threats, and calls for BCCI intervention.
Under their leadership (especially Ashirwad’s long secretaryship and Sanjay’s ongoing role), the OCA claims several infrastructural and promotional steps:
Infrastructure and facilities: They manage Barabati Stadium in Cuttack (OCA headquarters), the Odisha Cricket Academy, the Sachin Tendulkar Indoor Cricket Hall, OCA Club Complex, and multiple subsidiary grounds (e.g., DRIEMS, Ravenshaw University, etc.). Barabati has hosted international matches (ODIs, T20Is) over the years, including India vs England, Australia, etc. Redevelopment/renovation talks for Barabati continued into 2024 with state government involvement.
Domestic leagues and talent programs: Launched the Odisha Premier League (OPL, a T20 tournament) in 2011. More recently, the Odisha Pro T20 League (OPTL) has been promoted under Sanjay, along with “VISION@2024” for overall cricket development, coaches’ refresher programs, and age-group initiatives.
Other efforts: Odisha has fielded teams in Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, etc., and produced some national-level players (e.g., Debasis Mohanty, Shiv Sundar Das in the OCA Hall of Fame). They have hosted domestic tournaments and claimed to focus on ecosystem building for emerging talent
