Jahangeer Ganaie
Anantnag, May 26: A 30-year-old deaf and mute cricketer from south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has made headlines by shining in the World Cricket League in Dubai, where he was awarded the Man of the Series title.
Hilal Ahmad Wani, a resident of Arigohol Akad in the Mattan area of Anantnag, brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir with his heroic performance, leading India to a historic victory in the World Deaf Cricket League in Dubai. In the final, Hilal scored 70 runs off just 29 balls and took three wickets, earning him both the Man of the Match and Man of the Tournament awards.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Hilal’s sister, Neelam Jan, said he was a normal child who lost his hearing and speech at the age of three. Despite strenuous efforts, his hearing could not be restored.
Neelam said Hilal studied at a regular school and, after completing his 10th grade, chose commerce as his subject. He was later enrolled in Khalsa School in Punjab. She added, “Hilal is the most sober person I have ever met. His main language since childhood has been cricket.”
He continued nurturing his passion for cricket at Khalsa School, representing Punjab in inter-state tournaments. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Jammu and Kashmir Ranji Trophy squad in 2014, although he was later dropped, which deeply affected him.
Despite setbacks, Hilal’s family supported him, instilling the belief that ups and downs are part of life and that one should never abandon their struggles. With renewed determination, Hilal resumed his cricket practice.
He shifted his focus to deaf cricket and soon led Jammu and Kashmir’s deaf team. He also captained the North Zone team to several titles, which eventually earned him a place in the Indian national team for the World Deaf Cricket League.
Neelam Jan expressed pride in her brother’s talent and hope for his future, saying, “Hilal is very talented, and he is hopeful that he will get an IPL opportunity in the coming year.”
Hilal’s father, Ali Mohammad Wani, expressed pride and faith in his son’s journey. “Although he cannot hear or speak, the Almighty has blessed him with abilities that many others do not possess,” he said. “He has always been passionate about cricket, and we have promised to support him financially and emotionally to help him chase his dreams.”—(KNO)
