Deaf Kolkata Warriors Triumph in 7th T20 Deaf Indian Premier League 2026
Championship Overview
The 7th T20 Deaf Indian Premier League 2026 concluded in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, with the Deaf Kolkata Warriors emerging as champions after an intense four-day competition featuring eight teams from across the nation.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
The tournament kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony that included the introduction of team captains, a traditional lamp-lighting ritual, and the honoring of esteemed guests and supporters, setting the stage for four days of thrilling T20 matches.
Tournament Details
Held from October 1 to 4, 2026, at KVS Sports Park Cricket Ground in Thummala Gunta, Tirupati, this championship was organized in collaboration with the Deaf Cricket Association of Andhra Pradesh (DCAAP). It provided a national platform for deaf cricketers to showcase their skills and competitive spirit.
Runner-Up Performance
The Deaf Bangalore Badshahs secured the runner-up position, demonstrating a commendable performance throughout the tournament.
Celebrating Achievements
The closing ceremony brought together players, officials, and supporters to celebrate the achievements of all teams and recognize exceptional individual performances.
Remarks from IDCA President
At the tournament's conclusion, Sumit Jain, President of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), expressed gratitude to all players, officials, and partners who contributed to the event's success.
Individual Awards
Several players received accolades for their outstanding performances, with Aman Chouksey from the Deaf Bangalore Badshahs being named Player of the Series, along with awards for Best Bowler and Highest Wicket-Taker.
Participating Teams
The championship featured eight teams: Deaf Hyderabad Eagles, Deaf Bangalore Badshahs, Deaf Lucknow Giants, Deaf Delhi Bulls, Deaf Mumbai Stars, Deaf Kolkata Warriors, Deaf Punjab Lions, and Deaf Chennai Blasters, showcasing top deaf cricketers from various regions.
Closing Ceremony Guests
The closing ceremony was graced by Chevireddy Mohith Reddy, Assembly Coordinator of Chandragiri Constituency, and Madan Mohan, General Manager of Hotel Pai Viceroy, Tirupati, who served as Guests of Honour.
Acknowledgments
The IDCA expressed its appreciation to the DCAAP and its General Secretary, Challagali Raghu, for their support in hosting the championship. They also recognized the contributions of principal sponsor Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla and the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation.
Support from Sponsors
The tournament received backing from KFC India, Kaizzen, Impact Research & Measurement Pvt. Ltd., RB Foundation, and Kences Constructions Pvt. Ltd.
Collaboration with Cricket Bodies
The IDCA acknowledged the cooperation of various institutions and stakeholders, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Deaf International Cricket Council (DICC), in promoting deaf cricket.
Importance of Inclusive Sports
This championship highlighted the significance of providing competitive opportunities for deaf cricketers and the role of inclusive sports in allowing athletes to excel and represent their talents.
Final Thanks
As the 7th T20 Deaf Indian Premier League wrapped up, the IDCA extended its gratitude to all participating teams, players, officials, and volunteers for their invaluable contributions to the event's success.
Award Winners
The individual award winners included: Player of the Match – Final: Jitan Nayak, Deaf Kolkata Warriors; Best Batter of the Series: Krrish Manish Prajapati, Deaf Kolkata Warriors; Best Bowler of the Series: Aman Chouksey, Deaf Bangalore Badshahs; Player of the Series: Aman Chouksey, Deaf Bangalore Badshahs; Super Sixes Award: Deepak Lamba, Deaf Mumbai Stars; Best Wicketkeeper: Umar Ashraf, Deaf Kolkata Warriors; Highest Wicket-Taker: Aman Chouksey, Deaf Bangalore Badshahs; Best Fielder of the Series: Venu Siliveru, Deaf Bangalore Badshahs; Fastest of the Series: Samiullah Pathan, Deaf Lucknow Giants.