Maharashtra lift IDCA Deaf T20 cricket title

MUMBAI: Cricket heard loud and clear in the capital this week as Maharashtra lifted the 9th T20 National Cricket Championship for the Deaf 2025 trophy, edging out Jammu & Kashmir by eight runs in a thrilling finale in New Delhi.

Captain Pranil More proudly received the trophy from West Delhi MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat, joined by Dy. mayor of Delhi Jai Bhagwan Yadav and Villoo Poonawalla Foundation & Serum Institute of India CEO Jaswinder Narang.

Applauding the players, Sehrawat said she was honoured to witness the final, adding that prime minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to sports and inclusivity continues to inspire. “One day, I hope to see you all in the Indian team, lifting the World trophy,” she said.

Narang praised the athletes’ determination, calling their performance “truly inspiring”. “We’re proud to support IDCA’s mission and to empower these remarkable athletes. I’m especially proud that my home state, Maharashtra, has won the championship today,” he added.

The week-long tournament, organised by the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) and supported by the BCCI, featured 20 teams from across India, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Punjab, Delhi, and Bengal. Matches were held across four venues in Chhawla, with over 40 league games leading to the grand finale.

IDCA president Sumit Jain said the event celebrated the “spirit and resilience” of India’s hearing-impaired athletes, made possible through the support of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group and partners including KFC India, Hero MotoCorp, and Central Bank of India.

IDCA CEO Roma Balwani added that every edition strengthens the association’s resolve to create visibility and opportunity for differently abled cricketers. “Our goal is to replace barriers with belief and ensure every player’s talent is seen, heard, and celebrated.”

With Maharashtra’s victory, the cheers may have been silent, but the message of inclusion and triumph rang loud and clear.