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Cricket Icons bowled into play with miniature stars and mega fanfare
MUMBAI: Mini but mighty and ready to take a wicket in your living room. As cricket fever grips the nation, a new league of legends has entered the fray this time, not on the field but on your shelf. Pune-based startup Infinity Toy Tronics (ITT) has launched Cricket Icons, India’s first official line of collectible miniatures featuring players from top IPL teams like Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Gujarat Titans, and Rajasthan Royals.
The project, fuelled by fan obsession and startup hustle, marks a significant leap in India’s sports memorabilia landscape, one where a tiny Hardik Pandya or Rohit Sharma might just be your next prized possession.
Founded by three cricket-crazed first-gen entrepreneurs Rikesh Raja, Saurabh Gajbi, and Pratik Agrawal across three continents, ITT was born out of a shared frustration: why had cricket, India’s biggest sporting passion, never had its own Marvel-style merch moment?
“Growing up, we all played with Marvel heroes, Power Rangers, or football action figures but cricket, despite being India’s biggest sport, never had its own space in the collectables world,” said Infinity Toy Tronics Director Saurabh Gajbi. “With Cricket Icons, we saw an opportunity to not only fill that gap but also spark a revolution in the Indian toy industry. Unlike seasonal merchandise, these collectables have year-round appeal, driven by deep-rooted team loyalties and fan passion. It’s more than just a toy it’s a cultural connection and a step toward building a sustainable, homegrown ecosystem for sports memorabilia in India,” he added while talking about these IP-based collectables.
Thanks to Rise Worldwide, the team inked a three-year deal with major franchises, and they’ve got the distribution to match. Aditi Toys handles B2C and D2C routes, Neha Creations takes care of B2B, and the toys are already available across Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto. For old-school charm, you’ll find them in Hamleys and local stores from metro malls to Tier 3 town bazaars.
The line includes single figurines priced at Rs 249, team packs at Rs 649, and upcoming action figures at Rs 699. Each one is crafted with 90–95 per cent likeness and doubles as a digital key. Scan the QR code on the toy to unlock player avatars, quizzes, loyalty rewards, and challenges on the Cricket Icons app. Fans can win match tickets, signed memorabilia, and more adding serious value to their shelf-space superstars.
Beyond the toys, it’s a larger mission. ITT’s strategy ties into the government’s 1 billion dollars toy economy vision under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
With a million-unit sales target for 2025, Cricket Icons is already swinging for the fences creating not just figurines, but fan stories, one miniature at a time.
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.
