News Headline
ICC unveils official song ‘Whatever It Takes’ for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
Mumbai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the official event song for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, titled ‘Whatever It Takes.’ The soundtrack is a collaboration between the vibrant all-girl pop group W.i.S.H., acclaimed music director Mikey McCleary, composer Parth Parekh, and produced by Bay Music House. The single is now available for download and streaming on major platforms worldwide.
The official music video was also launched alongside the soundtrack, offering a cinematic preview of the tournament. It features highlight reels of iconic moments in women’s cricket and the choreography portrays the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 as the must-watch event of the year.
The song for the ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup embraces a global pop sound, blending excitement and energy to resonate with international audiences and connect with younger fans.
W.i.S.H., the all-girl pop sensation, brings youthful energy and modern flair to the track, celebrating empowered women in sport through Mikey McCleary’s visionary composition. The campaign slogan for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup – “Whatever It Takes,” embodies the journey of elite cricketers who dedicate themselves to achieving excellence in their sport. The song echoes this sentiment, celebrating the commitment and pursuit of excellence that characterises champions.
ICC general manager – marketing and communications, Claire Furlong said: “The ICC is committed to make the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 the best possible stage for world class players to shine. Women’s cricket is firmly established on the global stage, and our vision is to further enhance its recognition with the launch of the official event song. This soundtrack is not only a prelude of the extraordinary talent that will be displayed on the field of play, but also the vehicle to inspiring a new generation of heroes to women’s cricket’s ever-growing, worldwide fanbase.”
Building on the success of the 2023 edition in South Africa, which recorded over 190 million global viewing hours – a remarkable 44% increase from the 2020 tournament – the 2024 event is expected to elevate the sport even further, attracting new audiences and increasing engagement worldwide.
The action is set to begin at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, on 3 October 2024, where each of the 10 participating nations will undoubtedly do ‘Whatever It Takes’ to lift the trophy at the conclusion of the Final at Dubai International Stadium on 20 October.
W.i.S.H. shared their excitement at the launch of the song, “We are incredibly proud to share that as an all-girl group, we’ve created the official event song for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup! Cricket is a powerful force that unites people across our country and around the world, and it’s an honour to contribute to such a special occasion. As huge fans of Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana, we can’t wait for them to do the hook step from the music video and of course the other players from all the participating nations!”
Speaking about the song, music director, Mikey McCleary said, – “I feel we have captured the vibe and the energy of a T20 cricket world cup in this song and can’t wait for cricket fans all over the world to listen to it.”
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.
