Disney Star and India Signing Hands (ISH) announce Indian Sign Language (ISL) feed for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup starting June 2. Available for 10 matches, including India’s, semis, and finals. ISL feed and audio descriptive feed on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports Network. First time ICC Men’s T20 World Cup features sign language and descriptive commentary, enhancing accessibility for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and visually impaired users. Disney+ Hotstar first to offer ISL for LIVE cricket.
Commenting on Disney Star’s initiative, Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India said, “I commend Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar for introducing Indian Sign Language and Audio Descriptive commentary during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Government of India is committed to creating an inclusive society and I strongly believe that this initiative will enhance the viewing experience for millions of differently abled sports enthusiasts.”
Sajith Sivanandan, Head, Disney+ Hotstar India, said,“We are thrilled to embrace accessibility features making the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup available to more fans of the sport. This underscores our commitment to promote inclusivity and serve all users. With these enhancements, we aim to ensure that the excitement of cricket knows no bounds.”
Sanjog Gupta, Head – Sports, Disney Star said, “The descriptive and Indian sign language feeds on Star Sports during Tata IPL 2024 were met with an overwhelming response. Disney Star is extending this endeavour to make cricket fandom and experiences more inclusive by introducing, for the first time ever, these feeds on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Our mission of serving sports fans is powered by such pioneering initiatives which seek to remove barriers of access and engagement for fans from all walks of life. The initiative also serves to present a more inclusive picture of India’s favourite sport and is of immense pride for the sporting fraternity.”
Alok Kejriwal, Founder and CEO, India Signing Hands (ISH News), said, “This feed has fostered the love of cricket into so many differently abled individuals during IPL. With Disney Star continuing this initiative for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 at a larger scale with both Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar supporting this feed, I am confident that it will open doors to the exciting world of cricket to many more people from the Deaf and Visually Impaired communities. This collaboration is really close to my heart since it makes the sport truly accessible and inclusive.”
The ISL feed includes live updates with a translator and voice-over technology for visually impaired users to navigate Disney+ Hotstar easily.
According to the World Health Organization, India has 63 million deaf and 40 million visually impaired individuals, highlighting the need for inclusive entertainment. Disney Star, after incorporating these features successfully for the 2024 IPL season on Star Sports Network, will now offer them for all India matches, as well as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals and finals on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports Network, giving users the flexibility to watch from home or on-the-go.
