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ESS bags rights to highlights of all international cricket played in India
MUMBAI: If you can’t show it live, a good highlights package is the next best thing. ESPN STAR Sports today announced the acquisition of telecast rights to feature comprehensive daily highlights of all international cricket played in India till September 2004.
Starting with the first test of the India-West Indies series beginning on 9 October, both ESPN and Star Sports will showcase the India cricket highlights, including a comprehensive analysis of all international cricket played in India, at prime time on a daily basis. The highlights will be aired on each match day on Star Sports at 8 pm with a repeat telecast on ESPN at 11:30 pm.
Manu Sawhney, managing director of ESPN Software India was quoted in an official release as saying: “With this acquisition, ESPN STAR Sports will present to the millions of its loyal cricket viewers across Asia, including India, a unique opportunity to enjoy the daily highlights package at prime time presented by ESPN STAR Sports’ popular commentary team using our exclusive Namadgi Graphics system.”
ESPN STAR Sports’ commentary team for the upcoming India Vs. West Indies series highlights will comprise Sunil Gavaskar, along with Bobby Simpson, Ravi Shastri, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Harsha Bhogle and Alan Wilkins.
ESPN STAR Sports has acquired rights to telecast the highlights for the following international cricket series to be played in India till September 2004.
India Vs West Indies – October 2002
India Vs New Zealand – October 2003
India Vs. Pakistan – February 2004
India Vs. Australia – September 2004
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.
