News Headline
DSport acquires India broadcast rights of ICC World XI Tour of Pakistan
MUMBAI: DSport, a sports TV channel launched by Discovery Communications India, has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights of the upcoming ICC World XI tour of Pakistan.
The ICC World XI will play three-day and night T20 matches with reigning Champions Trophy winners Pakistan at Lahore’s Gaddafi stadium on 12, 13 and 15 September. The ICC World XI led by South African captain Faf du Plessis comprises players from seven Test playing countries. Former Zimbabwe star player Andy Flower has been named as the manager of the team.
Speaking on the occasion, Karan Bajaj, Sr. Vice President and General Manager, South Asia, Discovery Communications India, said, “This is the first cricket property acquired by DSport and is indicative of our appetite to offer world class action across categories for the sports fans in India. This unique series, with some of the world’s best players taking on the might of Pakistan, is sure to capture the attention of die-hardcricket fans in India.”
Match Schedule – LIVE and Exclusive on DSport:
· Match 1: Tuesday, 12 September, 6:30PM IST
· Match 2: Wednesday, 13 September, 6:30 PM IST
· Match 3: Friday, 15 September, 6:30 PM IST
Squads:
ICC World X1
Faf du Plessis (captain), HashimAmla, David Miller, MorneMorkel, Imran Tahir (South Africa), Samuel Badree, Darren Sammy (WI), George Bailey, Tim Paine,Ben Cutting (Australia), Grant Elliott (New Zealand), ThisaraPerera (Sri Lanka), Paul Collingwood (England), Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh).
Pakistan
Sarfaraz Ahmad (C & WK), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Umer Amin, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Amir Yamin, Muhammad Amir, RummanRaees, Usman Shinwari, Sohail Khan
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.
