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Cricket body dangles south Asian media rights carrot
LONDON: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fired the starting gun on a potentially lucrative media rights auction, releasing tender documents for broadcasting deals across Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka spanning 2026 to 2028.
The prize package includes some of cricket’s crown jewels: the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, and the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Women’s cricket gets equal billing with the T20 World Cup 2026 and the inaugural Women’s T20 Champions Trophy.
Pakistan emerges as the most complex battleground, with the ICC carving up rights into five separate packages covering both men’s and women’s tournaments. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka each get streamlined single-package deals combining television and digital rights—a nod to the region’s rapidly evolving media consumption habits.
Broadcasters and streaming platforms eyeing the action must contact iccmediarights2024-2031@icc-cricket.com to access tender documents. The ICC promises more invitation-to-tender releases for additional markets in the coming weeks, suggesting a coordinated global push to maximise revenues.
The timing reflects cricket’s commercial renaissance, particularly in south Asia where the sport commands religious devotion and advertising premiums. Pakistan’s multi-package approach hints at the ICC’s confidence in extracting maximum value from a market where cricket broadcasts routinely deliver audiences in the tens of millions.
The tender covers four men’s events and three women’s tournaments, underlining the ICC’s commitment to gender parity in its commercial strategy. For broadcasters, the stakes are clear: miss out now, and watch rivals corner one of sport’s most passionate fanbases until 2028.
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.
