The pandas (priests) of Jagannatha Temple in Puri find themselves engaged in a fun activity when they are not busy working in the temple these days. They are all set for the 'Sevak Premier League 2025', a T20 tournament to be played at the Sri Jagannath Cricket Stadium on Chakratirtha Road from Saturday.
The unique competition, to be played in league-cum-knockout format, will feature 14 teams of 15 members that will be divided into two groups. After the league stage, the top four teams from each group will advance to the semi-final. The final of this tennis-ball tournament will be played on February 22.
The total prize money up for grabs is Rs 50,000 along with the Shree Mandira Trophy. The priests have practiced passionately ahead of the tournament. These days, they are seen more with bats and ball than with their regular pooja-related items. They were seen dressed in sportswear instead of their familiar attire of dhoti and fatua (a short kurta).
Puri District Magistrate Siddharth Shankar Swain, who conceived the idea a long time ago, wanted to provide some recreation into the lives of pandas working at the temples throughout the year. When district administration approached with the concept, the temple authorities accepted it wholeheartedly, reflecting the cordial relationship between them.
Swain informed that preparations for this unique tournament are almost complete. He further stated that professional umpires are being brought in for the matches.
Teams will be provided with jerseys, that have been already made, and all cricket equipment. An ambulance and medical team will be available on the field during the tournament.
Keeping in mind the humid weather conditions, the cricketers, support staff and everyone involved in the organisation of the competition will be provided with food, water and sufficient energy drinks.
The Puri administration is bearing the majority of the cost for the 'Sevak Premier League'. Additionally, there will be private sponsors also. While some have paid for jerseys, some have provided food and energy drinks.
Apart from the regular Jagannatha darshan, devotees in coming days will have the chance to watch how pandas hit sixes or bowl bouncers.
