The Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket team will play 2 T20s and 3 50-Over Matches against the touring Pakistan Deaf Cricket team in July. All 5 matches are scheduled to be played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.
Fixtures confirmed for Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka
The Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket Association (SLDCA) yesterday announced the fixtures for the Pakistan Deaf Cricket team’s tour of Sri Lanka as well as the 16-member Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket squad to face the visiting team. Pakistan last toured Sri Lanka for a series in 2017 as they were involved in 2 50-Over Matches and 3 T20s.
On the other hand, the Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket team after winning the inaugural Deaf-ICC T20 World Cup in the following year (2018) in India, will only be playing their 2nd home international series since that historic win. They last played India in February 2020 at home and won all 3 50-Over Matches and the solitary T20.
Sri Lanka deaf cricketers beat India to clinch One-Day and T20 series
The series which was played as preparation for the Deaf-ICC 50-Over World Cup which was initially scheduled to happen towards the end of 2020, unfortunately, became the last major competition the Sri Lanka Deaf cricketers took part in for a long time as the Covid-19 pandemic spread. However, the World Cup which was postponed is now being considered to be played in 2022 with no official announcements as of yet.
The team also lost their long-time Head Coach Jayalath Aponsu during the pandemic due to illness and this will be their first major international assignment since his passing away. The coaching staff will now be headed by Ushantha Gunaratne, another long-time member of the Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket team coaching staff, while former Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket Captain Hemajith will act as his assistant.
Sri Lanka’s World Cup winning captain who guided the team to their maiden Deaf-ICC trophy in 2018, 24-year-old allrounder Gimadu L. Malkam will continue to lead the team while Rajitha Asanka will be his deputy.
Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket squad
- Gimadu L. Malkam (Allrounder) – Captain
- Rajitha Asanka (Allrounder) – Vice-Captain
- Tharaka Sampath (Allrounder)
- Lakshan Fernando (Allrounder)
- Sumudu Lanka (Allrounder)
- Goyum Shanaka Walgama (Wicketkeeper Batter)
- Asanka Manjula (Bowler)
- Udaya Lakmal (Allrounder)
- Alenross Kalep (Allrounder)
- Tharindu Wimalaweera (Batter)
- Dinuka Sachin (Batter)
- Sachith Perera (Allrounder)
- Chamara Dilshan (Batter)
- Nadun Sameera (Batter)
- S. Maduranga (Bowler)
- B. Tharmaseelan (Bowler)
Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket team vs Pakistan Deaf Cricket team T20 Series Fixtures 2022
| 1st T20 | Monday – 4th July 2022 | 2.00 pm Onwards | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota |
| 2nd T20 | Tuesday – 5th July 2022 | 2.00 pm Onwards | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota |
Sri Lanka Deaf Cricket team vs Pakistan Deaf Cricket team 50-Over Series Fixtures 2022
| 1st 50-Over Match | Wednesday – 6th July 2022 | 10.00 am Onwards | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota |
| 2nd 50-Over Match | Friday – 8th July 2022 | 10.00 am Onwards | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota |
| 3rd 50-Over Match | Saturday – 9th July 2022 | 10.00 am Onwards | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota |
