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Fissures in BCCI: Bindra protests award of production to TWI
MUMBAI: Cracks in the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) continue to surface. The latest: Punjab Cricket association president IS Bindra has shot off a letter to BCCI president Ranbir Singh Mahendra, protesting against the production contract for the upcoming Indo-Pakistan series being awarded to TWI.
Nimbus’ offer was the lowest at $1.29 million and was not “open ended” as Dalmiya had argued but “absolutely specific”, Bindra has said in the letter.
Refuting the media release issued by the board yesterday, Bindra said he could not understand “how and when the decision was taken to accept the production offer of Trans World International and at what rate.” It would be inaccurate to say the decision was taken unanimously by the working committee of the BCCI because “we had only authorised the president to negotiate with both the parties” and take a decision to ensure that the board’s revenue is “maximised” while the cost of production is “minimised.”
Bindra also dismissed another point in the media release which said, “The President, BCCI was authorised to decide upon the Satellite Overseas rights of the series on the basis of the received offers”.
“This is totally inaccurate and in contravention of the unanimous decision which was to invite open offers within 48 hours from overseas satellite and terrestrial channels as well as reputed marketing companies for sale of overseas rights.”
Bindra also refuted the statement that the Working Committee did not agree with Prasar Bharati’s views with regard to the Indian terrestrial and satellite rights.
“The clear and unambiguous decision was to give terrestrial rights to Doordarshan and the president was authorised to negotiate either minumum amount or a sharing formula where the agency for marketing would be decided by BCCI on the basis of offers to be invited.”
“It was further unanimously resolved by the working committee that as regards satellite rights for India are concerned we should invite offers from Doordarshan Sports, Set Max and Ten Sports, the three satellite channels operating in India,” Bindra said in his letter to Mahendra.
Intrigue, internal fissures, backroom deals, it’s all happening in the Indian cricket board. But on one issue there’s no answer. Where’s the money? The only thing clear about the present controversy is that BCCI will pay Trans World International $ 1.5 million for production services.
There’s no word yet on any money coming in from anywhere though. It stands out even more starkly if one considers that the value attached by Zee Telefilms to this particular series when it first made its $ 260 million punt for the India rights was Rs 1.93 billion (roughly $ 43 million).
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.
