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BCCI drafts tender for telecast rights
NEW DELHI: The Indian cricket rights soap opera is set to begin anew with the cricket board saying it has taken into account all “observations” made by the Supreme Court while drafting the invitation to tender for events between 2005 to 2009.
“We will abide by the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court. Actually there are no guidelines, but only observations, and we have taken into account all that,” Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) president Ranbir Singh Mahendra was quoted by Press Trust of India as saying.
The BCCI marketing committee met here today for about two and a half hours to draft the invitation that would be published in major national and some international dailies next week.
The Supreme Court’s observations came while dismissing an appeal by Zee Telefilms against BCCI’s decision to cancel its contract last year.
Mahendra did not react to media reports that the BCCI had framed the tender’s terms in such a way as to make Zee ineligible to bid for the rights this time around.
Last time round, Zee Telefilms had emerged the top bidder when bids were initially opened with a quote of $ 260 million, followed by ESPN Star Sports at $ 230 million.
Pressed further if the events of last year had in any way influenced the thinking of the Board, Mahendra said, “We have no intention to keep anyone out of the purview.”
However, a senior official of BCCI, who attended today’s meeting, told Indiantelevision.com that the eligibility criteria drafted, once okayed, would effectively rule out Zee’s participation in the bidding process.
“After all, there has to be some criteria. We are looking at saying in black and white that to be eligible for the rights, one has to have three years of experience in telecasting cricket matches of international repute in India and abroad,” the BCCI official said, making it clear that the cricket board has not taken very kindly to the long drawn litigation process involving Zee and ESS that has cost the Board dearly in terms of revenue.
Indiantelevision.com also learns that BCCI has decided to sell the domestic cricket rights at various levels to maximise revenue. For example, rights for mobile phones, Internet and broadband would be sold separately.
Meanwhile, PTI quoted Mahendra as saying that a representative of the ICC Cricket Operations would come down to India at the end of this month to discuss the latest developments on the ICC Champions Trophy to be held next year.
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.
