Karnataka Win IDCA U19 T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026

Karnataka Win IDCA U19 T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026

Karnataka U19 crowned a memorable campaign by defeating Haryana U19 by five wickets to win the IDCA U19 T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026 at the RDT Stadium Cricket Ground in Anantapur. The week-long tournament showcased the immense talent of young deaf cricketers from across India while reinforcing the Indian Deaf Cricket Association's commitment to promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in the sport.

The championship featured ten state teams competing in 23 league matches before Karnataka emerged as deserving champions through consistent performances with both bat and ball.

Karnataka Dominate the Final

Winning the toss, Karnataka U19 elected to field first, a decision that proved decisive.

Their disciplined bowling attack completely restricted Haryana's batting lineup, dismissing them for just 74 runs in 15.5 overs. The bowlers maintained excellent control throughout the innings, never allowing Haryana to build any meaningful partnerships.

Chasing a modest target of 75, Karnataka encountered a few anxious moments but comfortably reached 78/5 in 13.5 overs, securing a five-wicket victory and lifting the championship trophy.

The victory capped off an outstanding tournament for Karnataka, who consistently performed at a high level throughout the competition.

Santih Shetty and M U Sagar Shine Bright

Several Karnataka players delivered exceptional performances during the championship, but Santih Shetty and M U Sagar emerged as the biggest stars.

Santih Shetty enjoyed a remarkable tournament with the bat, earning both the Best Batsman award and the prestigious Player of the Series honour for his consistent run-scoring.

Meanwhile, M U Sagar dominated with the ball, claiming the Best Bowler award before delivering another match-winning performance in the final to be named Player of the Final.

Their contributions played a vital role in Karnataka's title-winning campaign and highlighted the depth of young talent within the state.

Championship Celebrates Deaf Cricket Excellence

The third edition of the championship was organised by the Deaf Cricket Association of Andhra Pradesh (DCAAP) under the guidance of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA).

The tournament brought together ten talented teams representing:

• Karnataka

• Haryana

• Delhi

• Mumbai

• Odisha

• Madhya Pradesh

• Gujarat

• Andhra Pradesh

• Telangana

• Uttar Pradesh

Beyond the results, the competition provided a valuable platform for young deaf cricketers to showcase their skills, gain competitive experience and pursue their dreams of representing India in international deaf cricket.

Final Standings

The championship concluded with the following standings:

• Champions: Karnataka U19

• Runners-up: Haryana U19

• Third Place: Delhi U19

The competitive nature of the tournament reflected the rapid growth of deaf cricket across India.

IDCA Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusion

Speaking after the final, IDCA President Sumit Jain praised the determination, sportsmanship and passion displayed by all participating players.

He described the successful completion of the championship as another important milestone for Indian deaf cricket and congratulated Karnataka on their outstanding achievement. He also acknowledged the continued support of the association's partners, whose contributions have helped strengthen opportunities for deaf athletes across the country.

Jain emphasized that the collective effort is creating a stronger pathway for talented players to represent India with pride on the international stage.

Andhra Pradesh Receives Praise for Hosting

Challagali Raghu, General Secretary of the Deaf Cricket Association of Andhra Pradesh, expressed pride in successfully hosting the prestigious national championship.

He praised the discipline, enthusiasm and quality displayed by all ten teams and thanked players, officials, volunteers and supporting organisations for making the tournament a grand success.

The event once again highlighted Andhra Pradesh's growing reputation as an excellent host for national deaf cricket competitions.

A Bright Future for Indian Deaf Cricket

The conclusion of the IDCA U19 T20 National Cricket Championship for Deaf 2026 marks another significant step in the development of deaf cricket in India.

With Karnataka lifting the trophy and several young players announcing themselves on the national stage, the tournament demonstrated the increasing strength and competitiveness of deaf cricket across the country.

As the Indian Deaf Cricket Association continues to invest in grassroots development and inclusive opportunities, competitions like this will play a crucial role in identifying future stars and inspiring the next generation of deaf cricketers to dream bigger and achieve greater success.