News Headline
Broadcasters term cricket rights price high
NEW DELHI: A new floor price of $ 450 million set by the Indian cricket board for telecast rights of Indian cricket is being termed by wannabe bidders as being on the higher side.
A top contender for the rights admitted to Indiantelevision.com, The price in the re-issued tender document, which combines the satellite and terrestrial rights (as done usually in the past), is a bit unrealistic and on the higher side.
It was also pointed out that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), under a new regime, has got over ambitious by asking for $ 450 million for telecast rights even though Indian cricket sells.
After stating that it would be reissuing the Revenue Management Company tender, the Indian cricket board scrapped the whole thing and issued a new document combining the tenders for terrestrial and global satellite rights. The new floor price: $ 450 million, combining the minimum guarantees of $ 350 million and $ 100 million for the earlier two proposed tenders.
With new media norms stating that cricket will have to be shared with pubcaster Doordarshan on a mandatory basis and the controversies generally surrounding the cricket rights, the high floor price is adding to inflated tensions of sports broadcasters.
That the new asking price is stiff can be gauged from the fact that even a financially strong company like Zee Telefilms, which emerged the highest bidder with a quote of $ 308 million in 2004 for the telecast rights, might find it difficult to raise $ 450 million.
Banking sources admitted that Zee Telefilms may have to re-negotiate some terms with financial institutions for additional funds as at present it has the mandate from its bankers for a bid up to $ 350 million only.
The sources indicated that a South East Asia headquartered sports broadcaster too would have to stretch its financial resources if it wants a slice of the action.
However, BCCI officials justified the floor price of $ 450 million by saying Indian cricket is a lucrative proposition and that its straight calculation without any hidden costs.
They also said that non-serious players get weeded out if the floor price is being termed high.
Why is it that just when people start thinking the cricket telecast rights are being settled, news twists are added?
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.
