New Delhi, 10th November, 2025: The Maharashtra Deaf Cricket Team emerged victorious at the 9th T20 National Cricket Championship for the Deaf 2025, defeating Jammu & Kashmir by 8 runs in a thrilling final held in New Delhi.
The championship trophy was presented to Maharashtra captain Pranil More by Smt. Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, West Delhi, who graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest. The event also saw the presence of Shri Jai Bhagwan Yadav, Hon’ble Dy. Mayor, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and Sh. Jaswinder Narang, CEO, Villoo Poonawalla Foundation & Serum Institute of India.
Congratulating the players, Smt. Kamaljeet Sehrawat said,
“It’s an honour to witness this final match. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India continues to promote sports and inclusivity. I congratulate all the players and hope to one day see them representing India on the world stage.”
Sh. Jaswinder Narang added,
“Your determination and passion for the sport are truly inspiring. At the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, we are committed to empowering IDCA athletes and fostering inclusivity. I am especially proud that my home state, Maharashtra, lifted the trophy this year.”
A total of 20 teams from across India participated in the week-long championship, organized by the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) and supported by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Recognized by the Deaf International Cricket Council and the Asian Deaf Cricket Association, the event was held under the patronage of the Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla Group.
The matches took place across four venues in Chhawla Essex Farms Cricket Club and Academy, Harryan Cricket Academy, Arihant Cricket Ground, and Arihant Mount Cricket Club featuring 40 league games, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand final.
Mr. Sumit Jain, President, IDCA, shared,
“This championship celebrates the spirit and resilience of our talented hearing-impaired athletes. We thank the Cyrus Poonawalla Group and all our partners for their unwavering support in giving these players a national platform.”
Ms. Roma Balwani, CEO, IDCA, added,
“We congratulate the Maharashtra Deaf Team and all participants for making this event a success. Every edition strengthens our resolve to promote inclusivity and create greater visibility for hearing-impaired athletes.”
The championship’s corporate partners included Serum Institute of India (Cyrus Poonawalla Group), KFC India, Hero (We Care A Hero MotoCorp CSR Initiative), Kaizzen, Impact Research & Measurement Pvt. Ltd., Shiv Naresh Sports Pvt. Ltd., and RB Foundation.
The Central Bank of India, in partnership with the Deaf Cricket Society, extended local support for the successful conduct of the tournament.
Over the years, IDCA has played a pivotal role in promoting deaf cricket nationally and internationally, fostering inclusivity, and empowering athletes through the transformative power of sports.