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ESPN to court: Can’t share cricket revenue with DD
MUMBAI: Sports channel ESPN today said it holds the exclusive right to telecast the India-Bangladesh cricket series and was not willing to share its revenue with Doordarshan for telecasting the three one-dayers, first of which is starting at Chittagong on 23 December.
“We are not agreeable to revenue sharing”. ESPN would suffer a “huge financial loss” if asked to share its revenue with Doordarshan in the ratio of 80:20, senior advocate, Rakesh Munchal, representing ESPN, submitted before the Kerala High CourT, report Press Trust of India from Kochi.
The submission was made on a petition filed by S Ramesh, Kerala’s former Ranji captain and another petitioner from Idukki district seeking a direction to Indian pub-caster Doordarshan to telecast the India-Bangladesh series.
Munchal pointed out that the relief sought by the petitioners, if granted, would violate ESPN’s copyrights.
Only on 16 December, Doordarshan had informed the court that due to “paucity of time,” it was not possible to make arrangements to telecast the second Test match between India and Bangladesh.
However, it was willing to enter into an arrangement with ESPN for telecasting the three one-day matches starting from 23 December, provided ESPN agrees to share the revenue in the ratio of 80:20, Deputy Director General (Sports), Doordarshan, New Delhi, Madlini, had informed the court.
Arguments in the case, which is being heard by a division bench, comprising Chief Justice B Subashan Reddy and Justice Kurian Joseph, will continue tomorrow, reports PTI.
When contacted by Indiantelevision.com in Delhi CEO Prasar Bharati KS Sarma, which Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR) air, however refrained to comment on the matter saying it was sub judice.
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.
