IPL Sign Language Commentary Brings Stadium, Game Alive for Deaf Community

In a revolutionary move, Star Sports 3 has teamed up with India Signing Hands (ISH) to introduce Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpretation during IPL matches. This initiative aims to cater to the 63 million deaf individuals in India, ensuring their inclusion and participation in the excitement of cricket.

During the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) versus Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) match on April 2, the ISH interpreters, Kinjal Shah and Shivoy Sharma, brought the game to life for the deaf community. Through expressive gestures and signs, they effectively conveyed the energy, suspense, and pivotal moments of the match. For example, when Krunal Pandya dropped a catch, Kinjal's puzzled expression mirrored the commentator's disbelief, while Shivoy depicted the pace and bounce of the ball with animated gestures.

To ensure accuracy and authenticity, ISH collaborated with deaf community cricketers to develop signs for various cricketing terms and actions. This collaboration ensures that deaf viewers can fully comprehend and appreciate the nuances of the game as discussed during the broadcast.

The addition of ISL commentary represents a significant step towards making IPL broadcasts more inclusive and accessible. By providing comprehensive insights and engaging expressions, ISH interpreters enhance the overall cricket-watching experience for the deaf community. This initiative not only fosters greater inclusivity but also allows deaf individuals to actively engage in conversations about the game with friends and family.

With commentary available in 12 languages, the introduction of ISL commentary further diversifies the IPL experience, making it more enriching and enjoyable for all viewers.