India Women’s Deaf Team to Make International Debut in Sri Lanka Tour

New Delhi: The Indian deaf women's cricket team will embark on its first-ever international T20 tour for a five-match series in Sri Lanka from July 7-13.

The 15-member squad will be captained by Kajal Dhawan who is also the wicketkeeper of the side. Needa Zabi Shaikh has been made the vice-captain, according to a press release issued on Saturday.

The matches will be held at the De Soysa Park International Cricket Stadium in Moratuwa.

The Indian Deaf Cricket Association also announced a T20I Tri-Series in India in March next year also featuring Sri Lanka, and Trinidad & Tobago and the DICC Women's T20 World Cup in Delhi in February 2028.

Commenting about the landmark moment, former Indian women's team captain Diana Edulji said: "It is a significant milestone for India that our hearing-impaired girls have got their first international call-up, Cricket belongs to everyone!

"You've broken barriers just by getting here and we all are very proud of you. I have personally witnessed your game as your chief guest, playing in Mumbai, the T10 deaf tournament, the calibre and sportsmanship of these women players impressed me. Now it's time to just go and show the world what Indian women cricketers can do on the field."

Indian Women's Deaf cricket team skipper Kajal said: "Going to Sri Lanka for our first international T20 tour is not just about playing cricket, it's about proving that hearing is not a barrier to passion, skill, or representing our country. Every player in this team has worked tirelessly and we will be carrying the hopes of every girl in India who dreams of wearing the blue jersey."

Kajal Dhawan (Captain and Wicketkeeper), Needa Zabi Shaikh (Vice-Captain), Pratima Mishra (Wicket Keeper), 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.