As Odisha looks to cement its place on India's cricketing map, the Tillo Cup stands at a crucial crossroads - no longer a small regional event, yet still striving to find its firm footing within India's rapidly expanding cricket ecosystem.
Rooted in the eastern state's sporting heartland, the tournament - which is played in the T20 format - has evolved from a passionate local initiative into a promising semi-professional platform that's beginning to attract Ranji, IPL, and state-level players.
In an exclusive conversation with myKhel, Lucky Swain, President of the Tillo Cup, reflects on the journey that has defined Odisha's cricket renaissance - from MS Dhoni's early appearance at the tournament to its growing influence as a grassroots powerhouse.
Interestingly, the Tillo Cup logo itself carries a piece of cricketing history - the cricketer's silhouette in the emblem is inspired by MS Dhoni's iconic six-hitting stance, a tribute to the legend who once played in the tournament's early editions.
What began as a modest community competition, which is being hosted since 1990, has now transformed into a professionally managed, high-quality platform showcasing emerging and established domestic talent.
With the 2026 edition on the horizon, Swain opens up about the challenges of scaling a regional success story, and shares his vision and aspirations to make the Tillo Cup a nationally recognised cricketing brand. Here are the excerpts:
Q: As excitement builds for the upcoming Tillo Cup, what are the key highlights or new additions that fans and players can look forward to in this edition compared to previous years?
Lucky Swain: This year's Tillo Cup will mark a new chapter - a new high. We're introducing eight premium teams featuring players from IPL, India U19, Ranji, and state circuits. Fans can expect a more competitive structure, enhanced broadcast quality with live OTT coverage, and a data-driven analytics system for real-time insights.
For players, we've designed the "Player Connect Forum", where young talents can interact with coaches, selectors, and corporate scouts. Beyond cricket, the event will include fan zones, cultural programs, and CSR-driven initiatives, making it a festival that celebrates both sport and community.
Q: The Tillo Cup has evolved from a regional event to a reputed national-level platform. What was the biggest challenge in this journey?
Lucky Swain: The biggest challenge was credibility. When we started, the Tillo Cup was purely community-driven. Convincing professional cricketers and sponsors to take us seriously took time. We focused on transparency, professionalism, and consistent execution. Once we delivered that, everything else followed. The respect we earned from players and institutions built the foundation we stand on today.
Q: Beyond the tournament, what's your long-term vision for the Tillo Cup? Do you see it as a feeder event for top-tier leagues like the IPL or Ranji?
Lucky Swain: Absolutely. The Tillo Cup should become a feeder system for India's professional leagues. We're integrating performance analytics and scouting networks to identify emerging players.
If a Tillo Cup player gets picked for the IPL or a Ranji side - that's our real trophy. By 2026, we aim to establish formal partnerships with IPL franchises and talent management agencies to institutionalise this pipeline.
Q: The Tillo Cup is deeply rooted in Odisha's sporting culture. How are you leveraging its success to promote grassroots cricket and create opportunities for local talent?
Lucky Swain: Grassroots cricket is our soul. We're working closely with the Odisha Cricket Association and Bhadrak District Cricket Association to launch the Tillo Junior League and regional scouting camps.
Young players from schools and clubs get mentored by professionals during the Cup. We're also setting up workshops and funding initiatives under the Tillo Athletic Association to ensure Odisha's talent gets a fair platform - without needing to move to metros.
Q: As an entrepreneur, how do you bring your business acumen into managing the tournament and attracting sponsors?
Lucky Swain: Running a tournament is like managing a start-up - it's about trust, sustainability, and value creation. My business background helped us build structured partnerships rather than just sponsorships.
Every partner, from broadcasters to brands, has a defined return on engagement. We've also professionalised logistics, player welfare, hospitality, and media operations so that the experience mirrors that of top-tier tournaments.
Q: Looking ahead to 2026, what's the top strategic goal for the Tillo Cup?
Lucky Swain: Expansion and elevation. We plan to introduce international players or mentors to raise the standard further. Digitally, we're targeting global OTT visibility and interactive fan engagement. Our dream is to make the Tillo Cup synonymous with Odisha's sporting pride - a model of how regional tournaments can achieve national prominence.
Q: Tell us about MS Dhoni's participation in the early editions of the Tillo Cup - a story many fans don't know.
Lucky Swain: Yes, MS Dhoni played here back in 2003, representing the Railways team before his India debut. He was disciplined, focused, and powerful even then.
That year, he left a mark with his maturity and calmness. Watching him later lead India to glory was a proud moment for everyone associated with Tillo Cup. His presence remains one of our most cherished memories - a reminder of how far both he and our tournament have come.