India's Deaf Cricket Team Triumphs in Inaugural Asia Cup T20 Tournament
The Indian deaf cricket team delivered a commanding performance, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets to secure the inaugural Asia Cup T20 championship in Cuttack on Wednesday. This historic victory marks a significant milestone for disability cricket in the region, highlighting the skill and determination of hearing-impaired athletes.
Tournament Journey and Key Matches
India's path to the final was marked by impressive displays of cricketing prowess. The hosts began the competition with a solid four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the opening encounter. They followed this with a resounding 10-wicket victory against Nepal, demonstrating their dominance in the group stages.
Sri Lanka, however, showed resilience throughout the tournament. They secured a six-wicket win against Nepal in their third match and later delivered a crushing 157-run victory over Nepal in a reverse fixture. In a closely contested match, Sri Lanka managed to edge out India by a narrow one-run win, showcasing the competitive spirit of the series.
India bounced back strongly in their next match against Nepal, registering a comprehensive nine-wicket victory that secured their place in the highly anticipated final.
Individual Accolades and Series Highlights
In the championship match, Sai Akash emerged as the Player of the Match for his crucial contribution of 27 runs off just 14 balls and taking two wickets, playing a pivotal role in India's triumph.
Sri Lanka's Gimadu L Malkam received dual honors, being named both the best batter and player of the series for his outstanding tally of 196 runs throughout the competition. His compatriot, Gihan Lasidu D' Silva, was recognized as the best bowler for claiming 10 wickets during the tournament.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
Ravi Kant Chauhan, General Secretary of the Deaf Cricket Council of India (DCCI), expressed immense pride in the team's achievement. "India Deaf Team's triumph in the inaugural ADCA T20I Asia Cup is a proud moment for disability cricket in the country," he stated. "This victory reflects the players' resilience, discipline, and unwavering commitment. Such milestones reinforce the importance of structured opportunities and continued support to ensure our differently abled athletes receive the recognition and platform they truly deserve."
Sumit Jain, President of the Asian Deaf Cricket Association (ADCA) and Vice President of DCCI, shared his thoughts on hosting the landmark event. "Hosting the first edition of the ADCA T20I Asia Cup, 2026 in Barabati Stadium was a true privilege for us and reflects our continued commitment towards promoting cricket among hearing-impaired athletes from across Asia," he remarked. "I congratulate all the participants who were part of this historic event, and we hope to continue hosting more of these international matches across Asia. We are also deeply honoured to have all the dignitaries present on this momentous occasion. I would like to extend my gratitude to all officials of ODCA and OCA for helping us organise this successful event here in Cuttack."
The successful organization of this inaugural tournament at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack underscores the growing recognition and support for disability cricket in Asia. This victory not only celebrates India's cricketing excellence but also serves as an inspiration for hearing-impaired athletes across the continent, paving the way for greater inclusion and opportunities in international sports.
