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#CWC23 fan experience guide: Supporting India across all Meta platforms
Mumbai: At the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, India has got off to a promising start with their win against Australia. But there are a couple of crucial matches ahead, with Pakistan and New Zealand. Today, we’re sharing a guide to help you unlock the many fan experiences on our platforms that will bring you closer to your favorite teams, players, people and creators, who’re covering the matches in their own unique ways.
Since 2019, Meta, then Facebook, has the rights to digital content for ICC events including match recaps, in-play key moments, and other match and feature content on Facebook and Instagram. Since last year, Reels was also part of this mix, as match highlights were shared on it, along with the various music and effects to make viewing more entertaining. Now, since the launch of new platforms like Threads, and new features like WhatsApp channels and Instagram broadcast channels, the fan experience gets diverse and more engaging.
“India’s passion for cricket knows no boundaries, and that’s evident with the way people express themselves about the game on our platforms. To take this social engagement to the next level, this year for the cricket World Cup, we’re activating several programs across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads. Some of them have materialized through partnerships with the ICC and Star Sports India. We hope all of this translates to the most enjoyable discussions and catch-up viewership on our platforms.” Meta, India director and head, content and community partnerships Paras Sharma.
Guide For Navigating The World Cup On Our Platforms:
Threads
. Follow @icc @indiancricketteam and @starsportsindia for continuous conversations about the World Cup, and stay updated in real time through the tournament.
. ‘Ask Star’ – For any questions you may have about the World Cup, commentators on Star Sports, such as Dale Styn, Waqar Younis, Mohammad Kaif, Ramiz Raja and Sanjay Bangar, will be responding to you on the thread. They may also respond to some questions on TV.
. ‘Ask ICC’ – For any questions you may have for specific people, including cricketers like Dinesh Karthik, you can ask the same on the thread by ICC. The respective person will then respond to the thread, just like Dinesh Karthik did, before India’s game with Australia.
. WhatsApp Channels* – Stay informed and engaged by following the official WhatsApp Channels of ICC, Star Sports India and the Indian Cricket Team. Receive timely updates, match scores, and exclusive content directly on WhatsApp.
Instagram and Facebook
. Follow #CWC23, and other hashtags such as #MetaSuper50 #MetaCreatorsquadIndia #JeetegaIndia and #DilJashnBole, to create and follow content on the World Cup; especially those from content creators.
. IG Broadcast Channels* – For those who consider themselves superfans of the game, follow channels by ICC, Indian Cricket Team and Star Sports India to see more frequent updates from the tournament.
. Trending Audio on Reels – Follow and create content with some of the top trending audio that’s being used on our platforms, regarding the World Cup. This includes Dil Jashn Bole, Chale Chalo, Lehra Do, Jeetega Jeetega, and Chak De India.
. AR effects – Explore and use the cool AR effects like Shadowbatting, India, Indian Cricket Fan and Indian Cricketer, to your Stories and Reels, to show support for Team India!
. Predictor Game* – This is a mobile game available on ICC’s Facebook page. You can share daily match winners and stand a chance to win exciting prizes.
. Last week we also shared that we’ll be partnering with more than 500 creators to bring the tournament to life. This is the largest-ever creator campaign for any ICC tournament to date.
*Available only on mobile
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.
