The Indian Deaf Women’s Cricket Team completed a historic 5-0 whitewash of the Sri Lanka Deaf Women’s Cricket Team in the inaugural Women’s Twenty20 International series, held at the De Soysa International Cricket Stadium in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. The tour marked the team’s maiden appearance on the international stage, and they dominated from the first match to the last. India bowled Sri Lanka out for just 40 runs in the final game and chased the target with seven wickets in hand to seal the emphatic series sweep.
A Commanding Campaign
The Indian side outclassed the hosts across all five matches with a blend of disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and composed batting. The 15-member squad included players from multiple states, such as Dipti Rani Sahoo from Odisha, and delivered India’s first-ever overseas triumph in deaf women’s cricket. In the decisive final match, India’s bowling attack restricted Sri Lanka to 40 for 10 in 13.5 overs, and the chase was completed with minimal trouble, reinforcing the team’s superiority throughout the series.
The closing ceremony was attended by Sunil Kumara Gamage, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Sports, and Maitrey Kulkarni, India’s Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, along with Sri Lankan MP Sugath Wasantha. Kulkarni presented the trophy to the Indian team, marking a formal acknowledgement of the achievement at the diplomatic level.
Individual Honours
Several players stood out with consistent performances across the series. Shradda Vaishnav was named the Player of the Final Match for her all-round contribution in the title-clinching game. Reddy Jyoshna received the Player of the Series award for her overall impact with bat and ball throughout the five matches.
The series also recognised other standout performers. Chandani Khan was awarded the Best Bowler of the Series, while Needa Zabi Shaikh finished as the Best Batter of the Series, underlining the depth of talent in the Indian squad.
The Rise of Deaf Cricket in India
Deaf cricket in India has a long history that dates back to 1978, when the All India Cricket Association of the Deaf (AICAD) organised the first international deaf cricket match between India and Australia. However, the modern structure of the sport is built around the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), which was established in 2020 under the NCT of Delhi Societies Registration Act, 1860. The IDCA succeeded the Deaf Cricket Society (DCS), a non-profit founded in 2012 that laid the groundwork for state-level associations and national tournaments.
The IDCA is the apex body governing deaf cricket in India. It operates with 20 affiliated state-level associations and engages over 30,000 players across the country. The association is a founder member of the Differently-Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), which the BCCI recognises as the umbrella body for all disability cricket in India. Internationally, the IDCA is affiliated with the Deaf International Cricket Council (DICC), which works in association with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Sumit Jain serves as the President of IDCA and also holds key positions in the DICC and the BCCI’s Differently Abled Committee. Roma Balwani is the CEO of IDCA. The women’s tour to Sri Lanka was supported by sponsors including the Serum Institute of India and the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, reflecting growing institutional backing for deaf cricket.
The Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 provides the legal framework for promoting sports among persons with disabilities in India, and the IDCA’s work aligns with this mandate. This historic 5-0 victory marks a significant step in bringing deaf women’s cricket into the mainstream sporting consciousness.
Key Takeaways
- The Indian Deaf Women’s Cricket Team won the inaugural Women’s T20I series against Sri Lanka with a 5-0 whitewash on their maiden international tour.
- The series was played at the De Soysa International Cricket Stadium in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
- India bowled Sri Lanka out for 40 runs in the final match and won by seven wickets.
- Shradda Vaishnav was named Player of the Final Match, and Reddy Jyoshna was awarded Player of the Series.
- The Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), formed in 2020, governs deaf cricket in India and is affiliated with the Deaf International Cricket Council (DICC).
