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Australia, Pakistan queuing to host ICC Champions Trophy in 2008
MUMBAI: While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said that after this year it would not like to take further part in the Champions Trophy unless there is a change in the period when the event is held other countries continue to maintain strong interest in the event.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said that it is delighted with the number of countries that had submitted formal interest in hosting the ICC Champions Trophy 2008.
Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and the United Arab Emirates – have put themselves forward to host the event.
ICC CEO Malcolm Speed says, “The level of interest in the ICC Champions Trophy 2008 has exceeded our expectations and demonstrates the potential of this event. It means that, as with future ICC Cricket World Cup events, there will be a competitive process to determine the host of this event. The range of locations of these countries also provides the ICC with the ability to schedule the event at a time of year that will optimise its potential.”
After sending the ICC ‘letters of intent’ the members now have until the end of February to produce full hosting submissions. These submissions will be considered at the next ICC Board meeting in Dubai on 20 and 21 March 2006 where an ‘in principle’ decision is expected to be made on the host of this event.
India will host the champions trtophy this year in Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi from October to November 2006. For the BCCI of course the reluctance to further participate stems from the fact that the revenue it can get is limited compared to say an India Australia series. The BCCI is also said to want the ICC to clear more venues to host the Champions Trophy.
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.
