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CricFan TV to exclusively broadcast world’s first women’s cricket chat-show, “Queens of Cricket”
Mumbai: CricFan TV, today announced the exclusive India broadcast of the world’s first ever women’s cricket chat-show titled “Queens of Cricket”. Shooting for the first of the 20-episode series that features Indian cricketers Radha Yadav and Shikha Pandey, began here at a city studio in the presence of Marc Hayward the driving force behind CricFan TV. The show will go on air with its first episode on the Sports18 network and Jio Cinema on 27 December 2023.
Sharing his thoughts on the development, Marc Hayward said, “We are thrilled to announce our most significant production to date, “Queens of Cricket,” a ground-breaking chat show format that marks a historic milestone in our commitment to providing captivating content and exceptional experiences for cricket enthusiasts. This ground-breaking show is the first-ever female-focused cricket chat show, designed to celebrate and empower women in sports showcasing the rapid growth of Women’s cricket not just in India but across the world.”
Set against the backdrop of India, the cricket capital of the world, and anticipating the exponential growth of women’s cricket in the country, “Queens of Cricket” is poised to become a trailblazing force in this emerging era. The 30-minute episodic series that spreads across 20 episodes would feature some prominent names in the world of women’s cricket from India and abroad.
Hayward further added, “We recognize that women’s cricket in India is on the cusp of becoming the next big decacorn, and this show aims to spotlight the exceptional women cricketers who are not just breaking records but also transcending boundaries, bringing them closer to their fans.
This momentous occasion signifies our dedication to elevating the profile of women in sports and providing a platform for their extraordinary stories. The format incorporates various interactive fan elements, staying true to the CricFan brand architecture, alongside our acclaimed shows FanZoneTV and Cricket Chrips.
We are delighted to share that “Queens of Cricket” and our other engaging formats will be available on the Jio Sports platform starting this December and throughout 2024. This marks a significant step forward in our mission to bring immersive and interactive cricket content to audiences, reinforcing our commitment to providing unparalleled fan experiences for cricket lovers throughout India. Stay tuned for an exciting journey with “Queens of Cricket” and the entire CricFan line-up on Jio Sports! “
Radha Yadav, who has played 67 WT20Is & solitary WODI for India and plays for the Delhi Capitals WPL team, said, “It was truly fun, the questions were interesting and playing games added a delightful touch. Having Shikha Di by my side made it even more fun. I believe young girls and boys watching will find inspiration to be the part of a show like this. Overall, it was a positive experience. As I mentioned, young women will be inspired to pursue a career in cricket and take steps towards supporting their dreams.”
IAF Squadron Leader Shikha Pandey (retired), who also features in the first episode along with Radha and has 55 WODIs, 62 WT20I and 3 WTests under her belt, said, “Shooting for Queens of Cricket was great fun, especially with Radha alongside me. We have played for the Delhi Capitals together in the last WPL, and she is my Indian team mate as well. The engaging questions and segments made it a memorable experience. Shows like this are important because it not only brings more women cricketers to the ground but also allows fans to connect with us on a personal level. With growing visibility of women’s cricket through platforms like WPL, it’s great to know the personalities behind the game. I am hoping the audience has as much fun watching as we did shooting the episodes.”
In the last six months, CricFan TV has been diligently forging partnerships and curating a diverse portfolio of fan-driven formats, laying the early-stage foundations for their official launch during IPL 2024. The highly anticipated “Queens of Cricket” will span over 20 episodes, airing throughout the month of December on WPL, Sports18, and Jio Cinema.
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.
