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Star Sports pockets Rs 150+ crore in sponsorship for India – SA cricket series
MUMBAI: Star India president – sports Nitin Kukreja is a happy man. With three co-presenting sponsors and seven associate sponsors on board for the India – South Africa cricket series, Star Sports has so far pocketed more than Rs 150 crore in sponsorships, even as more deals are being negotiated.
Beginning 2 October, the Mahatma Gandhi – Nelson Mandela series will have three T20s, five ODIs and four Test matches, which will be played over a span of two months. This in turn offers the channel a huge inventory to generate revenue.
A source close to the development informs Indiantelevision.com that the three co-presenting sponsors for the series namely PayTM, Raymond and Lava have paid approximately Rs 20 crore each. On the other hand, the seven associate sponsors – Maruti Suzuki, Airtel, Idea, Intex Led TV, Hero, Pernod, and OLX have shelled out approximately Rs 13 crore each, taking the total amount that Star India has earned in sponsorship to Rs 151 crore. Moreover, the broadcaster is in final stages of negotiations with a few more brands for the India – South Africa series.
In terms of ad rates, the 10 second slot during T-20 matches has been priced between Rs 2.5 – 3 lakhs. ODIs and Tests have been priced at Rs 1 lakh and Rs 70 thousand respectively, the source adds.
This is PayTM’s first series in the four years title sponsor deal, which it earned by outbidding Micromax. PayTM sealed the deal for Rs 203.28 crore, which is to be paid over the four year term. Maxus in association with GroupM ESP properties was instrumental in cracking the deal for PayTM.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Maxus managing partner Navin Khemka says, “We could not have asked for a better series to kickstart the deal. It’s bang in the middle of the festive season, a period where brands spend maximum. The success or failure of the cricket series will be decided by the quality of cricket played on the field.”
CAA Kwan COO Indranil Das Blah is of the opinion that the series will spell success for BCCI and broadcaster Star Sports. “India VS South Africa is a marquee contest and hence advertisers and sponsors will show interest in the initial stages but the annual fate will depend on the performance. The festive season is when brands unveil a lot of new launches, so timing-wise, it cannot be better,” he says.
Another media planner with condition of anonymity adds, “To me, the Rs 20 crore figure seems inflated. I think Rs 13 – 14 crore is what they are getting and that’s a good bet. If the series starts well, the numbers will be delightful for Star. The ad rates are realistic and can go much higher for last moment entrants if the series gets poised.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
