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Strikers franchise achieves global status under Shazmeen Kara’s leadership
Mumbai: With the cooperation of CEO Shazmeen Kara and the backing of Strikers’ squad owner Sagar Khanna the Strikers brand—which comprises the New York Strikers and the Colombo Strikers—has achieved global recognition. By securing participation for the franchisees in the Abu Dhabi T10 League (New York Strikers) Lanka Premier League (Colombo Strikers) and Legends Cricket Trophy (Colombo Strikers) Strikers’ franchise owner Sagar Khanna and renowned communications specialist Shazmeen Kara have expanded the teams’ global reach.
Sagar Khanna is a key figure in the development of the strikers’ brand which is now well-known to cricket fans all over the world. Shazmeen Kara’s teamwork and the backing of Sagar Khanna’s management have brought attention to well-known cricket players who have played in different leagues and made a significant impact for the franchise such as the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir, Yuvraj Singh and Kieron Pollard
Shazmeen has also been a trailblazer in building the strongest fan and media connect while catering to the interest of the players and the general public possessing every opportunity, since the New York Strikers lifted its first-ever trophy by winning the 2023 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 league.
Under her stewardship, the Colombo Strikers and the New York Strikers have become more than just cricket teams; they have evolved into lifestyle icons, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide. Shazmeen’s innovative approach to branding and marketing has redefined the fan experience, drawing in audiences beyond traditional cricketing demographics.
Talking on the privilege of managing public attention for the Strikers squad, Shazmeen shared, “Leading the Colombo Strikers and the New York Strikers has been about more than just cricket. It’s about creating lifestyle icons that captivate fans globally. By innovating our approach, we’ve transformed the fan experience and connected with audiences far beyond traditional cricket circles.”
Talking more about expanding the demographics for the Strikers Franchise, Shazmeen shared, “The Strikers Franchise is known for having a strong roster for its icon reconnect. When players such as Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard and Babar Azam take the field, the onus increases significantly in terms of younger fans understanding the role models who have shaped cricket over the years.”
Shazmeen’s ascent from a Mumbai-bred communications expert to a progressive figure in sports management speaks volumes about her adaptability and visionary leadership. Shazmeen Kara is also known to have been the founder and overall brand head of YWC Fashion.
This project which embodied the spirit of cricketing great Yuvraj Singh was India’s first-ever homegrown athleisure lifestyle sport brand. Shazmeen led the creative digital and social media marketing campaigns capitalizing on Yuvi’s broad appeal.
Speaking on leading YWC with Yuvraj Singh, Shazmeen shared, “It has been a privilege to be working closely with Yuvraj in all his campaigns for You We Can. It has been a start of an iconic partnership and it has been a privilege to be doing his communications again for New York Strikers”
Beyond its initial success, YWC also expanded into other verticals such as men’s, women’s and children’s sports equipment, fashion accessories, jewellery and perfumes. Her partnership with cricketing icon Yuvraj Singh also exemplified her capacity to unite sports and lifestyle as they use their combined influence to propel social impact projects such as fundraising for Yuvraj’s YouWeCan Foundation to support cancer patients.
Initially set on a path to become an IAS officer, Shazmeen’s life took a dramatic turn when a friend and mentor recognised her talent for PR and marketing. This leap of faith led her to embrace the world of communications, where she thrived, taking on major international luxury brands like Bottega Veneta, Tommy Hilfiger, Jimmy Choo, FCUK, Calvin Klein, TATA, and Sahara.
As Shazmeen continues to revolutionise the cricketing world with her innovative strategies and unwavering dedication, she stands as an inspiration to aspiring leaders across the globe, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible.
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.
