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BCCI, ICC resolve MPA differences
MUMBAI: After all the public grandstanding came the expected resolution. World cricket’s governing body and the Indian board have resolved their differences over the Members Participation Agreement (MPA).
The quid pro quo was that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) agreed to withdraw its bid for the broadcast rights for ICC Events from 2007 – 2015 after “legal opinion” indicated there would be conflict of interest.
Now a new draft of the MPA will be sent to all ICC member countries.
A statement issued the International Cricket Council (ICC) after its two-day meeting over the weekend said: “The (ICC) board achieved a successful resolution of the outstanding issues involving the MPA with the BCCI.”
The BCCI’s objection prior to the discussions was that the MPA in its earlier form affected its commercial interests. Following the compromise deal, BCCI officials say that their sponsors have been protected.
Now though there will not be a conflict between an ICC sponsor and a BCCI one like Nike. In addition countries like India and Australia can keep hosting triangular events and also events involving four teams. The MPA in its earlier form had not allowed this.
It may be recalled that a month back ICC president Percy Sonn talked tough warning the Indian cricket board that it “could not continue as one of the joint hosts of the 2011 World Cup” if it refused to play ball.
The never at a loss for words BCCI vice-president Lalit Modi had fired back then that without India, the ICC’s revenues would be drastically affected.
After a churlish and often childish back and forth between ICC chief Malcolm Speed and the irrepressible Modi over the last few weeks, bridges have been mended and now the crickets global administrator can go ahead with its rights process tender.
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.
