India Deaf Cricket Team Clinches Historic Inaugural ADCA T20I Asia Cup

The Indian deaf cricket team has won the first-ever ADCA T20I Asia Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium. India's Sai Akaash was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance of 27 runs and two wickets. Sri Lanka's Gimadu L Malkam was the standout player of the series, winning the best batter and Player of the Series awards for his 196 runs and 7 wickets. Tournament officials hailed the event as a historic step in promoting cricket among hearing-impaired athletes across Asia.

Key Points: India Wins First ADCA T20I Asia Cup for Deaf Cricket

  • India beats Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in final
  • Sai Akaash is Player of the Match
  • Gimadu L Malkam named Player of the Series
  • Event held at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium
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India deaf team wins inaugural ADCA T20I Asia Cup in Cuttack

India's deaf cricket team defeats Sri Lanka to win the inaugural ADCA T20I Asia Cup 2026 in Cuttack. Sai Akaash named Player of the Final.

"This series will not only stand as a testament to your hard work but also inspire the next generation - Roma Balwani"

Cuttack, Feb 25

The first edition of the ADCA T20i Asia Cup 2026 at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium came to an end on Wednesday with Team India beating the Sri Lanka Deaf team by six wickets to win the first Asia Cup trophy.

The event saw some amazing performances throughout the series, with India winning their very first match against Sri Lanka by 4 wickets, followed by a dominating 10-wicket win against Nepal in the second match, and Sri Lanka winning by 6 wickets against Nepal in the third match.

In the reverse fixture, Sri Lanka again won against Nepal by 157 runs, followed by India registering a narrow 1-run win against Sri Lanka and a dominating 9-wicket victory against Nepal to secure their spot in the final against Sri Lanka.

Sai Akaash of India was adjudged Player of the Match for his impactful all-round performance, scoring a quickfire 27 runs off 14 balls and picking up two crucial wickets. Sri Lanka's Gimadu L Malkam had a memorable series, claiming the best batter award for his aggregate of 196 runs, while his teammate Gihan Lasidu D' Silva earned the best bowler of the series accolade with 10 wickets.

Capping off a dominant campaign, Gimadu L Malkam was also named player of the series for his outstanding all-round contribution of 196 runs and seven wickets.

Speaking about the series, Sumit Jain, president, ADCA, said, "Hosting the first edition of the ADCA T20I Asia Cup, 2026 in Barabati Stadium, was a true privilege for us and reflects our continued commitment towards promoting cricket among the hearing-impaired athletes from across Asia. I congratulate all the participants who were part of this historic event, and we hope to continue hosting more of these international matches across Asia. We are also deeply honoured to have all the Dignitaries that were present on this momentous occasion. I would like to extend my gratitude to all officials of ODCA and OCA for helping us organise this succesful event here in Cuttack."

Complimenting ADCA for kicking off the historic T20I Asia Cup 2026, Roma Balwani, Director, ADCA & CEO, IDCA said, "It was truly a memorable maiden tournament and delighted to be part of the historic first edition of the ADCA T20I Asia Cup, 2026. I congratulate Team India for winning the inaugural trophy, and also the Srilankan team for giving us an amazing match to watch. This series will not only stand as a testament to your hard work but also inspire the next generation of players to take up cricket and represent their respective countries across Asia. I once again thank and congratulate Mr. Sumit Jain, President, ADCA, support partners and ODCA and OCA officials for their wholehearted involvement to make this historic feat a grand success."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is the kind of news that fills my heart with joy. Congratulations to the entire team and the ADCA for organizing this. We need more visibility and support for para sports in India. They are true champions!
R
Rohit P
Fantastic win! But I have a small critique - why was there so little mainstream media coverage for this historic event? Our deaf athletes deserve the same spotlight as any other national team. Hope BCCI and sports channels give them more airtime.
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Sarah B
As someone new to India, I'm constantly amazed by the passion for cricket here. This story is particularly inspiring. Congratulations to all the teams, especially Sri Lanka's Gimadu L Malkam - player of the series well deserved!
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Vikram M
Barabati Stadium in Cuttack is a great venue for such events. Odisha is really becoming a sports hub. Well done to the organizers ODCA and OCA. Jai Hind!
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Kavya N
This is so uplifting! These athletes overcome so much more to reach this level. Their dedication is next level. Hope this tournament grows and we see teams from Pakistan and Bangladesh participating soon for a full South Asian spectacle.

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