*Eight hearing impaired teams from across India participating in League
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 11: After successfully hosting the Legends League Cricket in Jammu last year, Maulana Azad Stadium Jammu is all set to host another exciting cricket tournament commencing from April 16.
Eight teams of men’s hearing-impaired cricket players from across India will compete in the 5th T20 Deaf Indian Premier League, which is scheduled to take place in Jammu from April 16 to 19. The league is being organized by the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) in association with Jammu University.
The participating teams in the tournament are Deaf Punjab Lions, Deaf Rajasthan Royals, Deaf Kochi Tuskers and Deaf Bangalore Badshahs in Group-A. While in the Group-B, the participating teams are Deaf Chennai Blasters, Deaf Delhi Bulls, Deaf Hyderabad Eagles and Deaf Kolkata Warriors.
Before the final, a total of 14 matches will be played, with Maulana Azad Stadium Jammu serving as the host site for eight of the matches and Jammu University Ground serving as the venue for the remaining matches. The tournament will feature about 150 hearing-impaired players from various regions of India.
The four-day tournament will kick off with an opening ceremony at the Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu on Tuesday. The IDCAT-20 champions will receive a prize of Rs 2 lakh, while the runner-up will get Rs 1 lakh. There will also be individual cash rewards of Rs 5000 in batting, bowling, fielding and super sixes categories.
Divisional Sports Officer (DSO), J&K Sports Council Jammu Baljinder Singh confirmed about the tournament and told Excelsior, “We are hosting eight cricket T20 matches in MA stadium Jammu and we are committed to provide all the necessary support they need for smooth conduct of the tournament. The Secretary Sports Council is also reaching Jammu to take stock about the preparations.”
Prof Sarika Manhas coordinator ‘Disability Initiatives’ of Jammu University said, “The University of Jammu under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai is committed to contribute towards the well being and welfare of the specially abled sections of society. We at Jammu University and at the Directorate of Physical Education headed by Dr Daud Iqbal Baba are honoured to collaborate and be venue partners with this prestigious tournament being played by very special and talented players from across the country.”