Deaf Delhi Bulls crowned champions of the IDCA’s 2nd T10 Women’s Deaf Premier League

Mumbai, 10 January, 2025: The action-packed second edition of the T10 Women’s Deaf Premier League, organized by the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) in collaboration with the Serum Institute of India (Cyrus Poonawalla Group), concluded on a high note with the Deaf Delhi Bulls triumphing over the Deaf Hyderabad Eagles to claim the championship title.

The tournament finale between Deaf Delhi Bulls and Deaf Hyderabad Eagles proved to be an electrifying contest. The Eagles, who had maintained an impeccable winning record throughout the league stages, took to the crease first and posted 71/7. The Bulls, eager to avenge their sole defeat of the league stage which came against these very Eagles, launched a masterful chase. With clinical precision, they reached the target with 73/1 on the board, securing a commanding 9-wicket victory in just 7.5 overs.

The winning team was felicitated during the closing ceremony at the Police Gymkhana Cricket Ground, Marine Lines, Mumbai, Maharashtra, by Chief Guest Firdose Vandrevala, Chairman & Partner, The Firm, and Namdeo Kadam, Director, Mangal Group of Companies & Ex-Chairman, ADCF. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the corporate sector, foundations, PSUs, the entertainment industry, and various non-profit organizations, all lending their support to this landmark tournament. 

Praising the athletes’ extraordinary spirit in sign language, Firdose Vandrevala, Chairman & Partner, The Firm said, “I am honoured to have witnessed the remarkable 2nd T10 Women’s Deaf Premier League in Mumbai. This tournament showcased not just exceptional talent and dedication, but also the unwavering resilience and determination of these athletes. It serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, leaving us with so much to reflect on, learn from, and admire. My heartfelt congratulations to everyone who made this extraordinary league possible”

The three-day tournament brought together five specially-abled women’s teams—Deaf Delhi Bulls, Deaf Hyderabad Eagles, Deaf U.P Warriors, Deaf Mumbai Stars, and Deaf Bangalore Badshahs—who competed fiercely for the coveted winner’s title. Over 11 matches, the teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, culminating in a thrilling final between the top two teams.

After three days of exhilarating cricket, the Deaf Delhi Bulls emerged as champions, defeating the Deaf Hyderabad Eagles by a decisive margin. The victorious team was awarded a trophy and a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, while the runners-up received ₹50,000 in recognition of their commendable efforts. In addition to team awards, individual performances were also celebrated:

•    Woman of the Series: Joshna (Deaf Hyderabad Eagles)
•    Best Bowler of the Series: Joshna (Deaf Hyderabad Eagles)
•    Best Fielder of the Series: Chanani (Deaf Hyderabad Eagles)
•    Super Sixes Award: Akansha (Deaf Delhi Bulls)

Namdeo Kadam, Director of Mangal Group of Companies and former Chairman of ADCF, delivered an inspiring speech, extending his unwavering support to the players participating in IDCA’s 2nd T10 Women’s Deaf Premier League. His words served as a powerful encouragement, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, resilience, and determination in sports, while reaffirming his commitment to empowering athletes in the hearing impaired community.

The 11-match tournament was more than just a sporting event; it was a celebration of inclusivity and empowerment. Representatives from IDCA’s partners, including Nykaa, Indo Count Industries, Serum Institute of India, and Villoo Poonawalla Foundation, were present to demonstrate their commitment to supporting transformative initiatives in sports.

Addressing the audience, Sumit Jain, President, IDCA, said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Deaf Delhi Bulls for their remarkable display of skill and determination on the cricket field. This tournament has once again demonstrated the unifying power of cricket, a sport that transcends barriers and fosters inclusivity. The athletes showed incredible passion, resilience, and skill through their performances, inspiring the entire sporting community. A special thanks to our IDCA’s partners who have been instrumental in making this tournament not just a competition, but a movement that celebrates the unifying power of sports.”

Roma Balwani, CEO of IDCA, further reflected on the tournament’s success and said, "The 2nd T10 Women’s Deaf Premier League has been a powerful showcase of talent, determination, and the transformative impact of sport. I am proud of the teams for their exceptional performances—every athlete here today has proven themselves a true champion. My heartfelt thanks go to all our partners for their unwavering support in making this event such a remarkable success. I also extend my sincere gratitude to our Chief Guest, Mr. Firdose Vandrevala, and all the esteemed dignitaries present today for their continued commitment to promoting inclusivity in cricket and empowering athletes from all walks of life.”

Jaswinder Narang, CEO of the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation (CSR arm of Serum Institute of India), commended IDCA leaders—President Sumit Jain, Patron Reena Jain Malhotra, and CEO Roma Balwani—for their dedication to nurturing deaf cricket talent. He emphasized the need to create opportunities for specially abled athletes across India and internationally.

Dignitaries present at the event lauded IDCA’s efforts, describing the tournament as a testament to the transformative power of sports. They highlighted IDCA’s role in fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence while breaking barriers and creating opportunities for all.

IDCA’s long-term partner Serum, including KFC India, Hero MotoCorp, Collearn, Impact Research, and Kaizzen, were instrumental in supporting the league and promoting a vision of empowerment through sports.

The IDCA’s 2nd T10 Women’s Deaf Premier League serves as a shining example of how sports can unite communities and inspire change. By celebrating talent and fostering inclusivity, it continues to shape a brighter, more equitable future for all, leaving a legacy of empowerment for the deaf community.