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DP World ILT20 Season 2 records staggering 113M reach in its opening week
Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), India’s largest content and entertainment powerhouse, has announced the viewership numbers for the opening week of DP World ILT20’s second season.
The tournament garnered an impressive reach of 113 million in its opening week, as per data released by BARC TV+OOH. The company has reported an uptick of 12 per cent as compared to last year among males 15+ in India’s urban audiences (15+; India urban). Furthermore, the time spent on the series has surged by an impressive 32 per cent among viewers aged 15 and above in urban markets across India (15+; India urban). This substantial increase in viewing duration emphasizes the league’s ability to captivate and retain the attention of its audience, contributing to a more immersive and rewarding viewer experience.
The franchise-style tournament with six teams and 34 matches is being played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global). Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in the Season 2, including David Warner, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.
On the back of this, DP World ILT20 continues to successfully be the world’s second most-watched global T20 league. As the official global broadcast partner of the league, ZEE Entertainment offers the widest live coverage of the ongoing tournament through its 10 linear channels and streaming platform – ZEE5, ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience for audiences across India and around the globe.
Commenting on the announcement, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd president – business, South Asia Rahul Johri said, “We are delighted with the response that the second edition of DP World ILT20 has garnered. It is a testament of the league’s expanding appeal and a growing fan base across India. The event is escalating global enthusiasm for cricket, and we take immense pride in spearheading this phenomenon.”
The truly-international T20 cricket league has proven to be an immense success, captivating fans worldwide as they eagerly tune in to witness the riveting action on the field. The competition has unfolded with intense and thrilling competition between teams, accompanied by stellar performances from players, creating a captivating spectacle that has consistently kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the entire series.
ZEE Entertainment had announced a star-studded panel of commentators, which include — Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Rohan Gavaskar, Saba Karim, Nikhil Chopra, Vivek Razdan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, who are joined by Alan Wilkins, Simon Doull, Daren Ganga, Danny Morrison and Niall O’Brien. With this distinguished commentary panel, ZEE Entertainment promises to offer a distinctive viewing experience, with iconic voices that promise to deliver captivating action from the league.
Earlier this month, ZEE Entertainment unveiled its campaign film, featuring ace cricketer David Warner in a distinctive avatar along with Indian superstar Harbhajan Singh. Positioned as the biggest challenge for cricketers at the start of the year 2024, the campaign beautifully captures the passion and ambition of cricket players for this highly-competitive tournament, which will feature a roster of the most talented T20I cricketers.
Cricket fans can watch this only-global T20 league on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 10 linear TV channels: &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD and leading OTT platform ZEE5. All single header matches will be broadcast Live at 8 pm India prime time. The afternoon match on the double-header’s day will start at 4 pm.
(*Source: BARC: 2+, India U+R, [Including TV+OOH, LIVE+PPL])
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.
