Cuttack: In order to play more matches, four cricketers registered with the Odisha Cricket Association have decided to shift to other states. They are Devendra Singh Kunwar, Saurabh Rawat, Ajit Yadav and Priyatam Singh. They all have played junior and first class matches for Odisha.
However, with a regular place not guaranteed in the senior state squad, they have sought greener pastures elsewhere. They have already got the no objection certificates (NOC) from OCA.
Odisha U-23 regulars and middle-order batsmen Saurabh and Devendra will represent new entrants Uttarakhand in the upcoming Ranji Trophy. Saurabh has played first class, list-A and T20 matches for Odisha senior team while Devendra has played a one-off T20 game.
Devendra was the skipper of the Odisha team in the CK Nayudu cricket tournament last season. Saurabh has scored 335 runs from 11 first class matches he has played so far with the help of two half centuries. His highest score is 85 against Karnataka in 2016.
Batsmen Ajit and Priyatam have represented Odisha in the U-19 level only. According to an OCA source they may play for their own state Bihar in the 2018-19 Ranji season.
However, this is not the only case of cricketers shifting allegiance to other states. Present coach of the senior side, Rashmi Ranjan Parida had played as a pro for Rajasthan and Vidarbha.
