Hours before the Gujarat Titans pulled off a nine-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals on May 5, Team India secured a staggering win over Bangladesh and lifted the champion’s trophy at the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) Tri-Nation ODI for the Deaf series at Merlin Rise Club Pavilion Cricket Ground in Kolkata.
The city hosted 33 hearing-impaired cricketers from India, Nepal and Bangladesh for the Tri-Nation series from April 29 to May 5. It was the first edition of the tournament in the city, and a great opportunity for people to come together over the course of seven 35-over matches.
Indian captain Sai Akash received the Player of the Match award for the final from Acting British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, Peter Cook. Akash scored a match-winning 111 off 67 balls. ‘This was my first time captaining India. Despite winning three back-to-back games, we were all under pressure since Bangladesh are tough opponents. However, all units came together today, and we did it!’ he said
The Men in Blue were in top form in the final, putting up 293 on the scoreboard and restricting Bangladesh to 127. Indian captain Sai Akash led from the front with a thumping century, bagging the Player of the Match award, along with the Super Sixes prize. The Tigers also gave it their all, with Akib Mahamud being adjudged the best batter of the series and scoring the fastest fifty of the tournament.
Bangladesh accepted the Runners’ Up prize after a well-fought tournament. ‘We gave it our all, but unfortunately sometimes it’s just not your day. However, Kolkata has been an incredible host to us, and we’ve felt right at home with the language and culture,’ said team captain Shahriar Emon
The event also received great support from several dignitaries, with acting British Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata, Peter Cook, being the chief guest. Former Indian cricketer Shib Shankar Paul, vice-president of Merlin Group’s Corporate Communications and CSR wing Sarbani Bhattacharya, and Indus Valley World School director Amita Prasad were the guests of honour.
Peter Cook reminisced about being born in Woodlands Hospital and playing cricket for the first time in Kolkata. Beginning his speech in chaste Bengali, he said, ‘Aamar jonmo Kolkatae, aami proud Bangali! It was a pleasure supporting an event that used sport to bring together India, Bangladesh and Nepal’
IDCA CEO Roma Balwani expressed her joy at Kolkata hosting and supporting hearing impaired cricket. “We’ve been working towards putting this event together for over six months. This ground was particularly special, since it also hosted the Deaf Cricket IPL, which ran parallel to its sister tournament. Our preparation has been manifested very successfully, and we need a lot of support to help these players join the main Indian team.” IDCA president, Sumit Jain, added, “We are excited about how the tournament has generated awareness and goodwill for deaf cricket. IDCA will keep leading with efforts to train and motivate deaf crickets to play mainstream cricket.”
IDCA organised the fourth edition of the T20 Deaf Indian Premier League at Merlin Rise from April 24 to 27. Eight Indian teams put their best foot forward, and Deaf Chennai Blasters emerged victorious. IDCA already has its sights set on the next milestone, with Bangalore hosting the IDCA Women’s 4th T10 National Cricket Championship for the Deaf from May 22 to 25. The event will see participation from 10 teams across India.