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121 million watch India-West Indies T20 match
MUMBAI: Cricket fever can never be out of season. The India vs West Indies T20 matches saw 121 million viewers tune in to watch the live telecasts on 27 and 29 August. It was almost as massive as the IPL viewership this year, according to ZAPR TV viewership data.
The preceding test matches in the same series garnered a huge viewership of 70 million, despite popular knowledge that test cricket has taken a backseat with the game’s gradual evolution to more fast-paced formats. Interestingly, a large portion of these viewers have also watched previous cricket tournaments. Do these viewers make up an audience loyal to cricket, regardless of the format in which the game is played?
The first match in the test series received the highest viewership with 22 million viewers tuned in to watch the live telecast on 21 July.
In all, 97 million watched the first T20 match played on 27 August. The telecast experienced a peak in viewership between 10pm and 11pm as the Indian team forfeited a win by just a single run.
Of the individuals who watched the India vs West Indies matches, 86 per cent of them watched the T20 World Cup, and 83 per cent also watched the IPL matches this year. While T20 matches generally have higher viewership, the India vs Zimbabwe tour which consisted of three ODI matches also garnered significant viewership.
The same viewers also followed different kinds of sports on television: 61.8 per cent of individuals who watched the India vs West Indies series watched the recent Rio 2016 Olympics.37.1 per cent of them watched the Pro-Kabaddi League and 15.2 per cent watched the famous football tournament UEFA Euro 2016.
In addition to general interest for sports content, the audience who is format-neutral and loyal to a particular sport are highly valuable. These individuals are most likely to have high affinity towards sport stars, and brands associated with that particular sport, making it conducive for brands to effectively engage with them
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.
