IPL 2024: Indian Sign Language Customized for Differently Abled Fans Enhances Viewing Experience

For the first time in IPL history, a new Indian Sign Language Feed with Descriptive Commentary will be introduced for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Visually Impaired fans. Star Sports, in partnership with India Signing Hands and BCCI, will provide ball-by-ball updates using Indian sign language for a more inclusive experience.

The Indian Deaf Cricket Team captain, Virender Singh, expressed his excitement for this initiative, stating, “I really hope that we will enjoy IPL very much.” This new feature aims to engage visually impaired fans by describing every moment of the game along with regular verbal score updates, making it a unique experience for all fans.

Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Disney Star, emphasized the importance of widening access to cricket for all fans. He mentioned, “With this initiative, we seek to address fans who’ve been deprived of the complete Cricket experience.” The introduction of Indian Sign Language on Tata IPL 2024 aims to make the commentary more inclusive for fans with impaired hearing and descriptive commentary for fans with sight impairment.

Alok Kejriwal, Founder and CEO of India Signing Hands, highlighted the significance of this feed for differently-abled individuals. He mentioned, “This feed will allow millions of differently abled people like me to experience the thrill and excitement of IPL for the very first time in a language that we understand.” This initiative will provide a more engaging experience for fans who have been previously excluded from fully enjoying the game.

IPL 2024 will kick off with a match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. This innovative approach to broadcasting IPL matches demonstrates the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in sports entertainment.

Overall, the introduction of the Indian Sign Language Feed with Descriptive Commentary in IPL 2024 marks a significant step towards making cricket more inclusive for fans with diverse needs. With the support of Star Sports, India Signing Hands, and BCCI, this initiative is set to provide a unique and engaging experience for all fans, regardless of their abilities.