Will Cuttack's Barabati Stadium Host the First Deaf Cricket Asia Cup in 2026?
Synopsis
The inaugural ADCA T20I Asia Cup 2026 is gearing up to take place at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha. From February 19 to 25, teams from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal will showcase their talent. This event signifies a major step towards inclusivity in sports, making it a landmark occasion for deaf cricket.
Key Takeaways
First-ever Deaf Cricket Asia Cup scheduled for February 2026.
Three nations participating: India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Preparatory sessions held at KIIT Cricket Ground .
Promotes inclusivity in sports for deaf athletes.
Opening ceremony on February 19, 2026 .
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) The ADCA T20I Asia Cup 2026, organized by the Asian Deaf Cricket Association (ADCA) in partnership with the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) and supported by the Odisha Deaf Cricket Association, is set to take place from February 19–25, 2026, at the renowned Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha.
This tournament will feature teams from three nations — India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal — highlighting exceptional deaf cricket talent from across Asia.
In preparation for the event, teams engaged in practice sessions at the KIIT Cricket Ground in Bhubaneswar from February 14–16, ensuring they are well-prepared for the competition ahead.
The Opening Ceremony will kick off at 10:00 AM on February 19, 2026, heralding an exciting week of international cricket and inclusivity.
India will be captained by Virender Singh, while A. Kalep will lead Sri Lanka and Baidhanath Chaudhary will captain Nepal.
Sumit Jain, President of ADCA, remarked, “This championship represents a significant achievement in ADCA’s mission to foster diversity and promote elite deaf cricket. We express our gratitude to our partners for supporting the ‘Dare to Dream’ initiative, helping to elevate deaf cricket talent throughout Asia. Special thanks to all our collaborators for their invaluable support for this inaugural tournament. We thank OCA and ODCA for their tremendous assistance.”
Roma Balwani, CEO of IDCA and Director of ADCA, remarked: “Competing in Cuttack, a historic cricket venue in India, is a true inspiration for our athletes. At IDCA, we are committed to facilitating inclusion through disability sports, especially cricket. We sincerely appreciate the support from our partners, state associations, and fans. We commend every athlete here for their dedication, resilience, and excellence on and off the field.”
She continued, “IDCA has played a crucial role in organizing the ADCA tournament, with visiting teams expressing their gratitude for the hospitality extended during their stay in Cuttack. Special thanks to IDCA Vice President & Gen. Sec. Sagarkanta Senapati and CEO of ODCA, Ms. Sharmila Subramanian, for making this a memorable event for our guests from Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Point of View
I believe that the ADCA T20I Asia Cup 2026 not only highlights the exceptional talent within the deaf cricket community but also promotes inclusivity in sports. This tournament is a significant milestone for athletes and serves as an inspiration for many. We wholeheartedly support such initiatives that aim to empower all athletes, regardless of their abilities.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ADCA T20I Asia Cup 2026?
The ADCA T20I Asia Cup 2026 is an international cricket tournament organized by the Asian Deaf Cricket Association featuring teams from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Where will the tournament be held?
The tournament will take place at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha.
When is the event scheduled?
The ADCA T20I Asia Cup 2026 is scheduled from February 19 to 25, 2026.
Who are the participating teams?
The participating teams are India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
What is the significance of this tournament?
This tournament marks a significant step towards inclusivity in sports, showcasing the talent of athletes with hearing impairments.
