News Headline
Fancode locks in Bengal Pro T20 League streaming rights; Shami, Richa Ghosh headline the show
MUMBAI: India’s cricket summer just got hotter.
Fancode is all set to exclusively stream the Bengal Pro T20 League starting 11 June. The move brings back-to-back matches, bold strokes, and Bengal’s biggest cricket names directly to mobile screens — and all for a pocket-friendly price.
The league will feature both men’s and women’s editions, giving equal spotlight to seasoned stars and rising talents. The men’s matches will unfold at the historic Eden Gardens, while the women’s battles will be played at the Jadavpur University grounds. The finals for both editions are slated for 28 June.
Among the star players, Team India’s pace spearhead Mohammad Shami will don the colours of Sharchi Rarh Tigers. Former Bengal skipper Manoj Tiwari, young gun Abhishek Porel, and seamer Mukesh Kumar are also part of the mix. Not to be outdone, the women’s tournament features marquee names like Richa Ghosh, Hrishita Basu, and Saika Ishaque.
The men’s league will see eight franchises in the fray: Kolkata Royal Tigers, Adamas Howrah Warriors, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, Rarh Tigers, Malda Sobisco Smashers, Murshidabad Kings, Harbour Diamonds, and Servotec Siliguri Strikers.
The women’s division mirrors that with teams including Rarh Tigers, Servotec Siliguri Strikers, Rashmi Medinipur Wizards, Adamas Howrah Warriors, Lux-Shyam Kolkata Tigers, Harbour Diamonds, Murshidabad Queens, and Sobisco Smashers Malda.
Fancode’s coverage comes loaded with digital perks. Fans can enjoy interactive overlays, instant highlights, and customised match access — allowing them to pay only for the games they want. The pricing is just as aggressive as the cricket: match pass at Rs 25, full men’s edition at Rs 99, and the women’s full pass at Rs 69.
“We’re bringing Bengal cricket to every screen with features built for today’s fan”, said Fancode spokespersons. With this exclusive tie-up, Fancode continues to strengthen its position in regional sports streaming, delivering high-octane tournaments that blend local fervour with a global digital touch.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








