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Star Sports’ coverage of Legends League Cricket fuels 2X growth in viewership
Mumbai: Star Sports’ coverage of Legends League Cricket, played between 10 – 20 March in Qatar, has met with a tremendous response from cricket fans. The second edition of the League involving three teams representing regions – Indian Maharajas, Asia Lions and World Giants – was broadcast on the Disney Star network for the first time this year. The league saw a massive 104 per cent growth in viewership clocking 43.8 million viewers on TV for the first six matches of the eight-match tournament. The AMAs* also grew by 107 per cent compared to the previous edition in March 2022 (aired on a different network).
The addition of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu feeds combined with Star Sports’ revered brand of storytelling spurred this growth, with these feeds contributing to 85.3 per cent of the viewership (Hindi – 69.3 per cent, Tamil – 8.1 per cent and Telugu – 7.9 per cent). In addition, the network’s marketing campaign celebrating individual rivalries from yesteryears supported by surround content amplifying nostalgia associated with the heroes, helped drive interest and anticipation for the tournament.
A Star Sports spokesperson, said, “We are thrilled with the response to Legends League cricket on Star Sports. We are selective in our choice of properties for the portfolio and partners we work with. With LLC, we saw a partner who shared the same growth ambition and passion for the game as us, as well as a property that had potential. The impressive viewership figures are a result of the tremendous efforts put in by the participating legends, LLC, and Star Sports to build the property, which is still in its infancy stage. It also demonstrates the continuing power of TV to aggregate audiences.”
The growth in viewership for Legends League cricket added to the streak of successes for Star Sports, which started with the historic viewership of the Asia Cup in September 2022 and was followed by remarkable viewership figures for ICC T20 World Cups (Men and Women) and India’s home season. With Tata IPL 2023 around the corner, Star Sports is geared to serve millions of cricket fans an unparalleled viewing experience on TV and break viewership records.
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.
