News Headline
Cricuru partners with Unicorn Premier League as learning partner
Mumbai: Cricuru, India’s cricket ed-tech platform, has unveiled its partnership with Entrackr’s Unicorn Premier League, the country’s cricket league for unicorn companies. As the official learning partner of the league, Cricuru will leverage its innovative teaching methods, including AI integration, to enhance the skills of players and coaches alike, helping them reach their full potential and upgrade their skills. The tournament is already underway at Gurugram with 16 start-up teams worth $40 billion competing for the championship title. Legendary Indian cricketers, Virender Sehwag and Sanjay Bangar, will also be present at the finals on 19 March 2023, at Wisteria Sports Club, Gurugram.
The platform’s advanced analytics and AI-based feedback mechanism will help players identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to fine-tune their skills and improve their performance on the field. With its team of experienced coaches and trainers, Cricuru is all set to further enrich Entrackr’s Unicorn Premier League.
Commenting on the partnership, Cricuru CEO Akshaara Lalwani said, “Our partnership with Entrackr’s Unicorn Premier League is an exciting opportunity as it will help showcase the platform’s true capabilities. Also, through this partnership with Entrackr’s Unicorn Premier League, we not only have the opportunity to support the growth and development of cricket in India but also to create greater brand awareness and recognition for Cricuru among the league’s audience. Through on-field and digital branding opportunities, we aim to showcase our innovative teaching methods and the value we bring to the world of cricket. We believe that this partnership will help us to reach a wider audience and demonstrate our commitment to revolutionising the way cricket is taught and played in India.”
Bangar said, “I am thrilled to be part of this association with Entrackr’s Unicorn Premier League and witness India’s top startups battle it out on the cricket field. As a former cricketer and coach, I know the significance of having access to the right training and coaching resources. Cricuru’s partnership with the league is a welcome move, and its innovative approach to teaching cricket through AI integration is commendable. I am confident that the platform will help players and coaches alike to improve their skills and enhance their performance on the field.”
Sehwag added, “Cricket is more than just a game in India – it is a passion that brings the whole country together. With Cricuru as the official learning partner of the league, I am confident that the players will have access to world-class training and coaching, helping them take their game to the next level. As someone who has been involved in cricket for a long time, I know the importance of having access to the right resources, and I believe this partnership will be a valuable asset to the teams competing in the championship.”
Speaking on the partnership, Khaitan Holdings chairman Nalin Khaitan said, “Cricket has always unified the citizens of the country and the Unicorn Premier League is a testament to that. A platform for all startups to showcase their cricketing skills, this league is going to be a breath of fresh air from the daily grind. This is the perfect opportunity for players to learn and grow, and more importantly, have fun.”
As part of its recent revamp, Cricuru now uses advanced AI integration aimed at enhancing users’ cricket learning and performance. The app’s AI tool analyses users’ moves, body structure and positioning, providing feedback for improvement. Its simulation-based training allows users to practise and hone their skills indoors or during bad weather, making it easier for them to stay physically active and improve their game. Cricuru is revolutionising the way cricket is taught and played, and its partnership with Entrackr’s Unicorn Premier League is a testament to its commitment to supporting the growth and development of cricket in India.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








