The 7th IDCA T-20 National Cricket Championship for the Deaf is set to commence in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on September 25. Organized by the Odisha Deaf Cricket Association, this seven-day extravaganza will witness the participation of 19 teams, categorically grouped into four divisions. The cricket action will unfold on four distinct grounds within Bhubaneswar, culminating in the championship’s final showdown on October 1 at the prestigious East Coast Railway Sports Association Stadium. A wide array of states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Gujarat, Telangana, and more, will be represented by their respective deaf cricket teams, adding a competitive edge to the tournament. Sumit Jain, the president of IDCA, expressed his anticipation for this remarkable hearing-impaired cricket event and extended warm wishes for success to all participating teams.

The closing ceremony, marking the culmination of this sporting spectacle, is scheduled for October 1. Notably, the T-20 champions will be awarded a prize of Rs 1,00,000, while the deserving runner-up will receive Rs 50,000 in recognition of their achievements. Roma Balwani, the CEO of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), expressed delight over the historic nature of the event, with 19 teams converging in Bhubaneswar for the first time, engaging in a total of 43 matches played across four grounds. Balwani highlighted the importance of this platform for hearing-impaired athletes, who aspire for greater recognition and awareness of deaf cricket within the realm of Indian sports.