Kendrapara Cricketer Smrutiranjan Barik Selected for Deaf Indian Premier League

KENDRAPARA: Smrutiranjan Barik, a cricketer with hearing impairment from Jampada village under Marshaghai block in Odisha's Kendrapara district, has been selected to play in the 7th IDCA T20 Deaf Indian Premier League (DIPL).

The four-day tournament will be held in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, under the aegis of the Indian Deaf Cricket Association. Smrutiranjan has been selected for the Deaf Delhi Bulls team, where he will play as a batsman-cum-wicketkeeper.

The Deaf Indian Premier League provides a platform for deaf cricketers from different parts of the country to showcase their sporting abilities. The tournament is being organised by the New Delhi Deaf Cricket Association.

Smrutiranjan is the son of Harekrushna Barik of Jampada village. He has previously participated in state and national-level deaf cricket tournaments and has reportedly won several medals, including gold medals.

His performances as a wicketkeeper-batsman have contributed to his selection for the league. His achievement has brought happiness to his native village and the wider Kendrapara district, where residents have expressed their wishes for his success in the tournament.

His selection also highlights the participation of athletes with hearing impairment in competitive cricket and the opportunities provided through dedicated sporting platforms.

Editorial Note: The tournament schedule, team selection, previous medal achievements and organiser details should be confirmed with the relevant cricket association before publication.