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Bhilwara Kings secure cricket icons Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Shane Watson
Mumbai: Bhilwara Kings are set to make a resounding return in the second season of the Legends League Cricket (LLC), promising a grander spectacle for cricket enthusiasts. As a proud franchise owned by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, a multi-diversified conglomerate, the team is gearing up to compete with three other formidable contenders to seize the coveted trophy.
In accordance with the tournament policy, the LNJ Bhilwara Group has exercised its player retention right by securing the services of Captain Irfan Pathan for the upcoming season. The team has also retained the stellar talents of Yusuf Pathan, the Player of the Series in LLC’s inaugural season, and the formidable Shane Watson. It has brought 12 other players from the pool of more than 200 players in the auction held recently.
Expressing enthusiasm for the team’s return, Riju Jhunjhunwala, Chairman and Managing Director of RSWM Ltd. (LNJ Bhilwara Group’s textile venture) said, “The first season of the Legends League Cricket was enthralling. We are anticipating an action-packed season and are determined to clinch the trophy. We eagerly await the upcoming tournament.”
A total of 19 matches will be played among the four teams, commencing on 18 November. The two qualifying teams will engage in a gripping final match on December 9th. The franchise-based tournament, featuring a pool of over 200 players, will unfold across five cities− Ranchi, Dehradun, Jammu, Vizag, and Surat. Further details about the event and the comprehensive player pool will be announced by the league in the coming weeks.
Excited for the second season for the LLC, Bhilwara King captain Irfan Pathan, said, “I am very excited to be with Kings again. We had a wonderful time last season. We just missed out on one game, otherwise, we were pretty good throughout the season. The management is outstanding. Riju Ji, the boss, has been wonderful. We had a pretty fantastic, packed background team to make sure we had a wonderful time throughout the tournament. The support we get is outstanding. That’s why I feel like it is home. Being back with Bhilwara Kings is exciting and I am very happy about it. Looking forward to the new season, looking forward to the new team. Looking forward to a great season with everyone.”
Bhilwara King Coach Lalchand said, “It’s been a great experience working with Bhilwara King. We were like one family and never felt that we were outsiders. The management was superb, and they never interfered in the cricketing matters and gave us a free hand. I am excited and looking forward to work together in the coming season.”
In the maiden season, LLC achieved remarkable success, captivating millions of cricket fans globally, The LNJ Bhilwara Group secured the second position after a thrilling final against the India Capitals.
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.
