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Cricket Australia & Star Sports partnership soars with viewership surge
Mumbai: Cricket Australia and Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Australian Cricket in India, are pleased to announce a surge in Indian viewership of the recently concluded Men’s Big Bash League (BBL) 2023/24 and Pakistan tour of Australia. More than 55 million viewers watched the entire BBL 23/24 season on Star Sports Network, 203 per cent more than the previous season, making it the most-watched edition in India. Furthermore, the broadcaster has recorded 3.75 billion minutes of watch time, 105 per cent higher than the previous season. The playoffs and the final on Star Sports were produced in five languages for the first time ever.
Furthermore, the bilateral series between Australia and Pakistan witnessed more than 9.5 million viewers tune in for the 3 test matches, a remarkable 54 per cent increase compared to the previous Pakistan tour down under.
The increased interest in Australian Cricket after a successful World Cup campaign in India and the promise of action-packed contests combined with growing penetration of the Star Sports Network (available in nine out of 10 pay TV homes), a well-rounded marketing campaign promoting the Australian summer and high-quality broadcasts customised for Indian fans, paved the way for this surge in viewership.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said, “We are delighted with the strong interest in Australian cricket in India and that this has translated into such big viewing audiences on Star Sports. It is particularly pleasing that the BBL has reached a massive 55 million viewers this season, which is a testament to the quality of cricket and the brilliant coverage being offered by Star Sports, including in multiple languages for the BBL Finals. That more than 9.5 million viewers tuned into Star Sports for the recent series against Pakistan is a testament to the interest in this world champion Australian team and the enduring passion for Test cricket in India.”
“We can’t wait to host India next summer for the five-Test Border Gavaskar Test Series, at a time when Australia and India are the two top-ranked Test teams in the world. We look forward to working with Star to expand our localised offering to Indian fans in time for next summer’s blockbuster season”, he added.
Disney Star head sports Sanjog Gupta said, “The growth in viewership for the Australian summer is testament to the compelling combination of Australian Cricket’s popularity, Star Sports’ brand equity (as the most loved destination for sports) and the TV network’s wide distribution. The significant growth in watch time and engagement also demonstrates the Indian fan’s appreciation for quality Cricket and willingness to watch different forms of the sport. The added context of Australia’s World Cup win in India and key content initiatives including the addition of Indian languages for BBL playoffs, have acted as boosters to the inherent strength of this collaboration between CA and Disney Star. We are thrilled with the strong start of the journey together.”
Star Sports is currently airing the West Indies tour of Australia, a riveting series comprising two tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Considering the growing interest in Australian cricket on Star Sports, the T20Is between Australia and West Indies will be broadcast in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada on the Star Sports Network. The Women’s cricket series between Australia and South Africa is also being aired on the Star Sports Network in India. As the partnership between Cricket Australia and Star Sports continues to evolve, fans can expect even more exciting initiatives, innovative technology, and captivating content that will further elevate the cricket viewing experience for viewers across India.
Source: BARC 2+U+R
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.
