Brands
Ganguly pads up for second innings at ICC cricket committee
MUMBAI:Cricket’s global governing body has tossed the ball back to Sourav Ganguly, reappointing the former Indian captain as chairperson of the ICC men’s cricket committee for another term. The 52-year-old, affectionately known as “Dada” by fans, will continue in the role he first took guard at in 2021 after replacing spin wizard Anil Kumble.
Ganguly’s longtime batting partner VVS Laxman, known for his very, very special wristy flicks, has also been retained on the panel—ensuring India’s continued heavyweight presence at cricket’s administrative crease.
The refreshed committee features a who’s who of cricket luminaries. Afghanistan’s Hamid Hassan and West Indies legend Desmond Haynes have been drafted in alongside South Africa’s current test and one-day international captain Temba Bavuma and former England batsman Jonathan Trott.
Meanwhile, in the women’s pavilion, former New Zealand off-spinner Catherine Campbell has been elevated to chairperson of the ICC women’s cricket committee. She’ll be joined in the middle by ex-Australian player Avril Fahey and Cricket South Africa’s Pholetsi Moseki.
The ICC’s commitment to inclusivity was bowled up by secretary Jay Shah, who announced a special task force and support fund for displaced Afghan women cricketers. “We are deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring every cricketer has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their circumstances,” Shah declared from the non-striker’s end.
This support will be backed by a “comprehensive high-performance programme” designed to keep Afghan women’s cricket dreams alive despite challenging political conditions back home—proving that when it comes to cricket diplomacy, the ICC is determined not to be caught out.
Brands
Magnum Ice Cream Netherlands takes control of Kwality Wall’s India from Unilever
61.9 per cent stake transfer reshapes ownership as Unilever exits promoter role
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited has entered a new chapter, with The Magnum Ice Cream Company HoldCo 1 Netherlands B.V. acquiring a controlling 61.9 per cent stake from a clutch of Unilever PLC-led entities, marking a significant shift in ownership.
The transaction, completed on March 30, 2026, follows a share purchase agreement signed in June 2025. The incoming promoter picked up over 145 crore equity shares, effectively taking control of the company and being formally classified as its new promoter under regulatory norms.
As part of the deal, the outgoing promoter group, including Unilever Group Limited and its affiliated entities, has fully exited its shareholding in the company. They have now been reclassified from promoter to public shareholders, closing a long-standing association with the ice cream business in India.
The board of Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited took note of the ownership change and approved a series of leadership updates alongside it. Ritesh Tiwari stepped down as director, while Abhijit Bhattacharya was appointed as chairperson and additional non-executive director. Tahir Toloy Tanridagli also joined the board as an additional non-executive director.
The reshuffle signals a broader strategic reset as the Magnum-led entity looks to steer the brand’s next phase of growth in India. The transition has been carried out in line with regulatory requirements, including disclosures tied to the open offer and reclassification norms under market regulations.
With Unilever stepping back and Magnum stepping in, Kwality Wall’s India is effectively getting a fresh scoop of leadership and direction. The coming months will reveal how the new promoter plans to scale the brand in one of the world’s most competitive ice cream markets.
