J&K’s Umar, Hilal earn spots in India Deaf Cricket Association’s T20I Asia Cup squad

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 7: In a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, wicketkeeper-batter Umar Ashraf and allrounder Hilal Wani have been selected for the India Deaf Cricket Association’s (IDCA) 16-member squad for the ADCA T20I Asia Cup. The Tournament is set to unfold from February 18 to 25 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha.
The squad, selected by the All-IDCA India Men’s Selection Committee, features a powerhouse lineup led by skipper Virender Singh (Himachal Pradesh). It includes Abhishek Singh (West Bengal), Umar Ashraf (J&K), Sai Akash (Tamil Nadu), Santosh Kumar Mahapatra (Odisha), Pranil More (Maharashtra), Sibun Nanda (Odisha), Kuldeep Singh (Haryana), Akash Saini (Uttar Pradesh), Hilal Wani (J&K), Yashwant Naidu (Andhra Pradesh), Vaibhav (Delhi), Sanith Shetty (Karnataka), Deepak Lamba (Haryana), Aman Rizvi (Uttar Pradesh) and Jigar Thakur (Gujarat).
Deaf cricketers from J&K have consistently illuminated the national stage, clinching laurels and elevating the Union Territory’s cricketing legacy. It is high time the Government of J&K recognizes these trailblazers with robust patronage-empowering them to conquer even greater heights and inspire a new generation.