‘Ignored for Ranji Because I Can’t Hear’: The Deaf Cricket Story

As the Deaf T20 World Cup commences in India, watch the people behind the rise of deaf cricket narrate their story.

General Secretary of DCS Sumit Jain, Indian Deaf Cricket Team’s fast bowler Fahimuddin and supporter of DCS KK Saini speak to The Quint about the growth of deaf cricket in India.

(Photo: The Quint)

Video Editor: Prashant Chauhan
Camerapersons: Abhay Singh and Sumit Badola

The Indian cricket team is competing in the eight-team Deaf T20 World Cup, which got underway 23 November in Gurugram. One of India’s fast bowlers, Fahimuddin played at the U-22 level for Delhi, but wasn’t considered for the senior Ranji Trophy team because of his disability.

After I won the U-22 tournament with the Delhi team, I was never considered for the main Ranji team only because I am deaf and mute. They knew I had the talent for the Ranji level.

Fahimuddin

Fahimuddin added that he used to help Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag practice ahead of big tournaments.

Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir used to call me to their house so that they could practice with me for big tournaments. They didn’t like the other available bowlers.

Fahimuddin

KK Saini, a supporter of the Deaf Cricket Society, who has worked closely with DCS for several years, explained how the present general secretary of DCS has built deaf cricket in India.

The present General Secretary of Deaf Cricket Society Sumit, used to play cricket for deaf schools. Before the Deaf ODI World Cup was held in 2005 a few players went to Lucknow from Delhi for practice. Among the Delhi players, my son Rohit Saini was there as well. The players were selected from that camp. At that time, Sumit thought about how to build deaf cricket in India. When deaf cricket wasn’t as big as it is today, Sumit founded a society called Deaf Cricket Society.

KK Saini

The BCCI, which has backed the blind cricket team, has shown no interest in Indian deaf cricket.

Sumit has written many letters to the BCCI asking for an affiliation. But the BCCI has not shown any interest. I don’t know why, even after they have backed blind and women’s cricket. 

KK Saini