Kolkata, 19th December 2025:*The Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA), supported by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and recognized by the Deaf International Cricket Council & Asian Deaf Cricket Association, on Thursday December 18th kicked off the 4th edition of the Test National Cricket Championship for Deaf in Kolkata.
In a grand opening ceremony held at Merlin Rise Pavilion, Kolkata, Mr. Anirban Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Founder Chairman, Heritage Global Bengal officially kicked off Test series and said, “I really want to see some of the players here to play for India’s main team someday because I know it is possible. There was a Divyang player he went on to play for the Indian team and became one of the best Googly bowlers that the Indian team had. I take a lot of inspiration from him and from all of you here, because I believe you all can achieve something that I can’t. So, keep inspiring all of us.”
Mr Mukhopadhyay was also joined by Mr. Abhijit Ghosh, Director (HR & CA) and Mr. Romon Sebastian Louis, Director (Service Business) – Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd as guest of honours.
Nearly a week-long Test series will have a two semi-final cricket matches being played simultaneously at Kolkata’s Merlin Rise Cricket Ground and Rajasthan Club Ground from 18th till 23rd December. The winners of the Semi- Finals with then compete for the champion’s trophy in the Final Test match from 21st till 23rd December.
While Semi-Final 1 will be played between Delhi and Bengal, Semi – Final 2 will have Odisha and Jammu Kashmir competing for a place in the Final. Winning the Toss against host Bengal, Delhi elected to case and bowl first; while winning their toss against Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir also elected to bowl.
The IDCA 4th Test National Cricket Championship for Deaf is being organized under the patronage of Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla Group, and will run from 18th to 23rd December 2025, bringing together some of India’s most talented hearing-impaired cricketers from across the four states.
Speaking about the championship, Mr. Sumit Jain, President, IDCA, said, “The 4th Test National Cricket Championship for Deaf will be a testing ground for all the players as it will be played in two innings across three days. While the players are used to playing shorter format of the game, a Test match will not only test their fitness but also consistency to play well for four innings across three days. With this series we also aim to celebrate the spirit, resilience, and talent of our hearing-impaired athletes and show our fighting spirit. With the generous support of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, Merlin Rise Group management and our partners, we are continuing to create a strong platform for differently abled cricketers to shine on a national stage.”
Thanking the support partners, Roma Balwani, CEO, IDCA added, “I am really happy that the 4th Test National Cricket Championship is taking place in Kolkata. Our aim of bringing together talented players who represent the strength of inclusivity in sports would not be possible without our partners continued support. I am especially grateful to our venue partner Merlin Rise Pavilion for providing us this wonderful location and EIILM – Kolkata for their volunteers and immense support.”
*Support for IDCA*
Several prestigious brands have extended their support to the association in promoting Deaf Cricket nationally and internationally.
*Corporate Partners:*
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, Venue partner Merlin Group, Volunteers Partner EIILM – Kolkata
*About IDCA*
Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) was founded in 2020 by Mr. Sumit Jain, President of IDCA and Vice President & member of DCCI (Differently Abled Cricket Committee, BCCI). Registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, IDCA is committed to developing cricket among deaf athletes in India and providing them with opportunities at state, national, and international levels.
Roma Balwani joined IDCA as pro bono CEO in 2022.
IDCA is the governing body for Deaf Cricket in India and is a member of DICC (Deaf International Cricket Council), working closely with ICC to promote equal opportunities and full participation of deaf cricketers globally.
Prior to IDCA, the Deaf Cricket Society (established in 2012) nurtured and trained thousands of hearing-impaired cricketers, enabling them to participate in state, national, and international tournaments.
Twitter: @official_idca
Instagram: @official_idca
YouTube: @IndianDeafCricketAssociation
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