India's first ever deaf women's cricket team set for international debut

When wicket keeper batter Kajal Dhawan leads India to the field against Sri Lanka at the De Soysa Park International Cricket Stadium in Moratuwa on Wednesday, the two teams will commence a new chapter in cricketing history.

They will mark the start of first-ever international T20 series in women's deaf cricket.

The Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) named a 15-member Indian squad led by Dhawan earlier this week for the series, which marks an important step ahead of the DICC Women's T20 World Cup which will be held in Delhi in February 2028.

How is deaf cricket played?

Deaf cricket follows the same laws as mainstream cricket, but players compete without hearing aids or cochlear implants to ensure a level playing field.

To be eligible for international deaf cricket under the Deaf International Cricket Council (DICC), players must have a hearing loss of 55 decibels or more in their better ear.

As players cannot rely on sound, communication happens through sign language, lip-reading and visual signals. Batters use hand gestures and eye contact while running between the wickets, while captains and fielders communicate using visual cues. Umpires also use visual signals for every decision.

According to India's head coach, Devdutt, there is very little difference between deaf cricket and mainstream cricket.

"Our deaf team follows all the rules and regulations set by the BCCI and the ICC. The game is played exactly like regular cricket. The only difference for this women's team, which has been formed for the first time, is that they will use a slightly softer ball instead of a hard ball," Devdutt told The Bridge.

Pride and Emotions 

For captain Dhawan, leading India's first ever Women's Deaf international team is an emotional moment.

"It is a matter of great pride for me. In 76 years, there has never been an international deaf women's cricket team representing India. Many deaf athletes have represented the country in different sports, but this is the first time for our team. I am truly honoured to have been selected by the IDCA," Kajal said.

Vice captain Needa Zabi Shaikh described the tour as a landmark moment for deaf women athletes in India.

"This is a very emotional moment for me because until now there had never been an international deaf women's cricket tournament. Deaf men's teams have represented India internationally, and even blind cricket teams have done so, but Deaf women never had this opportunity," Shaikh pointed.

"Finally, in 2026, history has been made. We have shown that deaf women can also represent India internationally, and I am really happy that our team is finally getting this opportunity," she added with a smile.

Unlike many professional athletes, several players in the Indian women's deaf team balance cricket with full-time jobs as they do not receive complete financial support.

Priyanka Saini, who works as a clerk at Punjab National Bank, spoke about the challenge of managing both her career and cricket.

"Managing my job and cricket is very difficult because my entire day is filled with responsibilities. Whenever I get free time, I ask if I can attend practice because my office schedule is fixed," said Saini.

Among the 15 players travelling to Sri Lanka is Aakansha Kanasiya, the youngest member of the squad. For her, getting selected for India is something she had only dreamed about.

"I had been playing cricket, but I never imagined I would be selected to go to Sri Lanka. The IDCA selected me, and I am the only player selected from Madhya Pradesh. That is a matter of great pride for me," she said. 

"When I was younger, I used to see hearing players wearing jerseys with 'India' written on them. I always wished I could wear one too, but I didn't have any opportunities. When I finally got selected, I got goosebumps," she added.

Coach Devdutt believes this series is much bigger than just five cricket matches. According to him, representing India at the international level can open new doors for the players.

"It is a matter of great pride for us and for the country. We now have a team of girls who cannot hear or speak representing India internationally. This gives them hope for the future," he said.

"Just as the blind cricket team received recognition and support, these girls now also believe they can win this series and many more in the future. Success at the international level will help them in many ways, including employment opportunities and financial support," he added.

Squad

Kajal Dhawan (captain), Needa Zabi Shaikh (vice-captain), Pratima Mishra (wicketkeeper), Aakansha Kanasiya, Reddy Jyoshna, Dipti Rani Sahoo, Shraddha Vaishnav, Sangeetha, Sukanya K. S., Ruby Yadav, Chandani Khan, Priyanshi Dixit, D. Kanthamma, Priyanka Saini and Anjali

Schedule

July 8: First match

July 9: Second match

July 10: Third match

July 12: Fourth match

July 13: Fifth match