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IPL18 ad-splosion – brands in a frenzy for cricket’s hottest ticket: TAM data, 13 matches
MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a sporting event; it’s an advertising goldmine. New data (22 March to 1 April 2025) from TAM Sports indicates a massive surge in ad volumes, with IPL 18 experiencing a 112 per cent increase for the first 13 matches compared to IPL 17 (22-31 March 2024 ). The scramble for screen time is intense.
IPL 18 is attracting a wave of new players. The number of competing categories has risen by 13 per cent, and the number of advertisers has jumped by an impressive 31 per cent. Brands are clearly banking on the IPL’s broad appeal to connect with India’s passionate cricket audience.
Mouth freshener brands are currently leading the pack, commanding an 11 per cent share of ad volumes. Ecom-gaming and biscuits are also major contenders, with 10 per cent and nine per cent shares respectively.
The top five categories collectively account for over 40 per cent of all ad volumes, highlighting the fierce competition at the top. While ecom-gaming and cellular phones maintain a strong presence, the food and beverage sector is making a significant push, with two of the top five categories originating from it.
Parle Products holds the top position among advertisers, securing nine per cent of the ad share. The top five advertisers together account for 28 per cent of the total ad volumes.
IPL 18 is also marked by significant change. 23 new categories and 83 new brands have entered the advertising arena. Emerging categories include cars, ecom-auto rental services, and fashion outlets. In contrast, categories such as range of food products and chocolates are absent this season.
New brands vying for attention include Platina Hide & Seek and Campa Energy Drink. The advertising landscape is dynamic, with brands fiercely competing for visibility.
As the IPL action unfolds on the field, an equally compelling drama is playing out in the advertising world. The stakes are high, and the competition is relentless.
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.
