Historic Debut for Indian Deaf Women's Cricket Team in Sri Lanka

The Indian Deaf Women's Cricket Team is set to make history with their first international T20 tour to Sri Lanka. This landmark event not only marks their debut on the global stage but also highlights the growing recognition of deaf cricket in India. With a strong roster and support from cricket officials, the team aims to inspire future generations of athletes. The tour includes five matches and is a significant step towards inclusivity in sports. Read on to discover more about this historic journey and the team's aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2026, 19:24 IST

Indian Deaf Women's Cricket Team Makes History

The Indian Deaf Women's Cricket Team is poised to make history as they embark on their inaugural international T20 tour to Sri Lanka this week. This significant tour will mark the team's first appearance on the global stage in women's cricket, paving the way for the future of deaf cricket in India. Prior to the historic 5-match T20 International Deaf Cricket Series, the team unveiled their new jersey in New Delhi, attended by Sumit Jain, President of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), along with Sunny Singh, IAS DM of New Delhi, and Ashok Sharma, Secretary of DDCA, among other dignitaries.

A Milestone for Indian Deaf Cricket

During the event, Sumit Jain expressed, "This tour to Sri Lanka represents a pivotal moment for Indian deaf cricket. For years, our female cricketers have trained and played without international recognition, motivated solely by their passion for cricket. Now, they will step onto the world stage as representatives of India. The IDCA has always championed equal opportunities, and this tour exemplifies that talent knows no limits. I commend all players for this remarkable achievement and for establishing a legacy for future generations of deaf cricketers."

Inclusivity in Cricket

Former Indian Women's Cricket Team Captain, Daina Edulji, remarked on this landmark occasion, stating, "This is a significant achievement for India as our hearing-impaired girls receive their first international call-up. Cricket is for everyone! You have shattered barriers by reaching this point, and we are immensely proud of you. I have witnessed your skills firsthand during the T10 deaf tournament in Mumbai, and the talent and sportsmanship displayed by these women are commendable! Now, it’s time to showcase what Indian women cricketers can accomplish on the field. Best of luck to all, Jai Hind!"

Captain's Perspective: Overcoming Barriers

Kajal Dhawan, the Captain of the Indian Women's Deaf Cricket Team, shared her thoughts, saying, "This is a groundbreaking moment for us. Our first international T20 tour to Sri Lanka is not just about playing cricket; it’s about demonstrating that hearing does not hinder passion, skill, or national representation. Each player has put in immense effort, and we carry the aspirations of every girl in India who dreams of donning the blue jersey."

Tour Schedule and Team Roster

The Indian Women's Deaf Cricket Team is scheduled to compete in five T20 matches at De Soysa Park International Cricket Stadium in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, from July 7 to July 13, 2026.

Team Roster:

1) Kajal Dhawan (Captain and Wicket Keeper) 2) Needa Zabi Shaikh (Vice-Captain) 3) Pratima Mishra (Wicket Keeper) 4) Aakansha Kanasiya 5) Reddy Jyoshna 6) Dipti Rani Sahoo 7) Shraddha Vaishnav 8) Sangeetha 9) Sukanya K. S. 10) Ruby Yadav 11) Chandani Khan 12) Priyanshi Dixit 13) D. Kanthamma 14) Priyanka Saini 15) Anjali

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women's Deaf Cricket

At the jersey unveiling ceremony, the IDCA announced two significant women's cricket tournaments set to take place in India: The Women's Deaf T20I Tri-Series featuring India, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad & Tobago in March 2027, and the DICC Women's T20 World Cup in Delhi in February 2028. These events signify India's commitment to fostering inclusive cricket and providing a global platform for deaf women athletes.