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IndusInd Bank offers unique cricket fan experience with Anthem Buddies at ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Mumbai: IndusInd Bank as a part of its association with ICC for the second year in a row, leveraged the premium Anthem Buddies programme at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in USA and West Indies. Through this program, the bank had provided an opportunity to all cricket enthusiasts to access a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for their children to accompany the teams walking out onto the field for the national anthems.
In order to expand the ambit of opportunity to a larger audience for the Anthem Buddies program, IndusInd Bank had rolled out a contest on its digital platforms, wherein the parents had to submit the response for participation. From the entries received through the social media contest, select entries were chosen by the jury basis the uniqueness of the Cricket slogans that were filled by the parents submitting the entries.
IndusInd Bank had collaborated with ICC for the Anthem Buddies program even for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 wherein they had received an overwhelming response and created memorable moments for 1440 children and their respective parents over 48 matches across 10 Indian cities fostering a sense of shared enthusiasm for the sport.
IndusInd Bank head – consumer banking and marketing Soumitra Sen, said: “At IndusInd Bank, we believe in the power of sports to unite communities and inspire the next generation. After the overwhelming success of the Anthem Buddies Programme during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, we were pleased to be able to anchor this again. Through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Anthem Buddies programme, we aim to create lasting memories for parents and their children, offering them a unique opportunity to stand alongside their cricketing heroes and create an unforgettable experience.”
ICC chief commercial officer, Anurag Dahiya, said: “ICC events provide numerous opportunities for brands to engage with their audiences and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Anthem Buddies Programme is a standout brand activation initiative. Walking out alongside the world’s best cricketers is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We saw its tremendous success in India in 2023, and it is as impactful right now in the West Indies and USA.”
Some of the parents of the kids who were part of IndusInd Bank’s Anthem Buddies program, were exhilarated to share their experience as follows:
Ganesh Narayanan, a customer of IndusInd Bank and parent of Pranav Ganesh, shares his experience for his son being part of the Anthem Buddies program, “Immense gratitude to the Bank for this unforgettable experience for giving my son an opportunity to walk, meet and hold hands with his cricket heroes. Goosebumps till date.”
Alpesh Patel, a customer of IndusInd Bank and parent of Tej Patel, shares experience of his son being part of the Anthem Buddies program, “We are grateful for the opportunity provided by the IndusInd Bank Anthem Buddies Program. Our son was thrilled to pair up with a player from the Indian cricket team and stand on the field for the national anthem for the India vs. USA match. This program is a wonderful initiative that creates lifelong memories and fosters a strong sense of national pride. Thank you, IndusInd Bank and the organizers, for this unforgettable experience!”
Suresh Pasumarty, customer of IndusInd Bank, cricket fan and parent of Pranav Tejas Pasumarty, shares his experience of his son being part of Anthem Buddies program, “We are thankful to IndusInd Bank for providing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to our kids to meet the cricketers and walk with them for the National Anthem ceremony. This will be a moment that will always be cherished by the kid.”
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.
