Surat Hosts 10th T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf
14 teams battle it out in Surat for the IDCA 10th T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026. Read more about the event.
The spirit of sportsmanship and inclusion has taken center stage in Gujarat as the T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf officially kicked off in Surat. Organized by the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) in collaboration with the Deaf Cricket Association Surat (DCAS), the 10th edition of this prestigious tournament marks a significant milestone for deaf athletes across the country.
Running from October 26 to November 1, 2026, the championship is being hosted in Surat for the very first time. The event has brought together 14 powerhouse teams from various corners of India, transforming the Bawaji Cricket Ground in Bhatpore into a hub of high-energy competition and athletic brilliance.
A National Battle for Glory
The tournament showcases the immense talent within the deaf cricket community, providing a professional platform for players to demonstrate their skills and competitive drive. The 14 participating teams vying for the title include:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Haryana
- Mumbai
- Vidarbha
- Rajasthan
- Chhattisgarh
- Kerala
- Delhi
- Chandigarh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Gujarat
- Uttar Pradesh
The action-packed schedule will lead up to a thrilling conclusion on November 1, 2026, when the semi-finals and the grand final will determine the champion of the 10th edition.
Driving Inclusion and Growth
The championship is a result of a collaborative effort between the IDCA, the Gujarat Deaf Cricket Association (GDCA), and the DCAS. The IDCA, a founder and member of the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI), operates with the support of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and holds recognition from both the Asian Deaf Cricket Association (ADCA) and the Deaf International Cricket Council (DICC).
"At IDCA, our endeavour is to ensure that deaf cricketers have meaningful opportunities to compete, develop their skills and earn recognition for their talent," stated Sumit Jain, President of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association. He emphasized that bringing the tournament to Surat helps extend the reach of the sport to new regions and engages more stakeholders in its growth.
Local Support and Official Praise
The event was inaugurated in the presence of Tejas Parmar, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of Surat District, who served as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the role of sports in fostering inclusion and ensuring that merit is recognized regardless of physical challenges, welcoming the teams to the city.
Jigar Thakkar, General Secretary of the Deaf Cricket Association Surat, expressed pride in the city's ability to host the event. He praised the discipline and enthusiasm of the athletes, noting that the tournament is a celebration of deaf cricket and expressing hope for hosting more such events in the future.
As the matches progress at the Bawaji Cricket Ground, the tournament continues to serve as a vital pathway for deaf athletes to pursue their sporting ambitions and gain the national recognition they deserve.