The much-anticipated East Zone Inter University Cricket (Men) Championship 2024-25 commenced today at KIIT University, under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi. The championship, scheduled from February 11 to February 22, 2025. A total of 72 universities with 1,600 players & officials, including 12 universities from Odisha, participated in the championship.
The Championship was officially inaugurated by Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS & KIMS, on February 11, 2025. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to all participants and wished them success in their matches. Prof. Samanta emphasized that this championship is more than just a competition—it is a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent, determination, and sportsmanship.
The matches are being conducted smoothly with the combined efforts of KIIT University officials, Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) officials, and Umpires, ensuring fair play, professionalism, and the best possible cricketing experience for all teams.
On the inauguration day, matches were played across four different venues:
- KIIT University International Cricket Stadium
- Vikash Cricket Ground
- Ravenshaw Cricket Ground
- Nimpur Cricket Ground
At KIIT University International Cricket Stadium, matches are being played during both day and night, while matches at the other three cricket grounds are played only during the daytime.
Match Results – Inauguration Day (February 11, 2025)
A total of 10 matches were played on the opening day, and the results are as follows:
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee University vs Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalaya – Hemchand Yadav Vishwavidyalaya won by 6 wickets
- OP Jindal University, Raigarh vs University of Kalyani – University of Kalyani won by 10 wickets
- Jadavpur University vs Binod Bihari Mahato Koilanchal University – Jadavpur University won by 75 runs
- Rabindrabharati University vs Raiganj University – Rabindrabharati University won by 65 runs
- T M Bhagalpur University vs Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapitha – Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapitha won by 25 runs
- MSCBD University, Baripada vs Sarala Birla University, Jharkhand – MSCBD University, Baripada won by 24 runs
- Central University of South Bihar vs L N Mithila University – L N Mithila University won by 218 runs
- University of Calcutta vs Kalinga University – University of Calcutta won by 90 runs
- PT Ravishankar Shukla University vs Dr. Shyamprakash Mukharjee University – PT Ravishankar Shukla University won by 7 wickets
- Ranchi University vs Shaheed Mahendra Karma Vishwavidyalaya – Ranchi University won by 45 runs
The players and officials expressed their gratitude to Prof. Samanta for his unwavering support, blessings, and world-class sports infrastructure, which has helped elevate university-level sports to international standards.