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First professional cricket league formed in US
MUMBAI: The interest levels among Americans in cricket are comparable to our interest in the National Football League (NFL). However that is not stopping American Pro Cricket (ProCricket), the organisation that’s formed to promote cricket in the US, from trying to build up awareness around the game in the US.
The organisation has formed the first ever professional cricket league in the US. There will be eight teams and the season starts on 2 July. The matches will air on a thus far unnamed national TV network in the US.
Of course innovations are needed so that the game gets some sort of fan following. One new aspect is three-hour long matches characterised by “Fast n’ Furious Global Action”. New ProCricket rules include time limits and a version of baseball’s Designated Hitter Rule. The aim is to get fast-paced, action-packed matches.
All of this is crucial. The ICC is keen on having the likes of India going to the US for tournaments. In the past India and Pakistan have played in the Sahara Cup in Canada.
Coming back to the league the teams have names like Chicago Tornadoes, Florida Thunder and New Jersey Fire. In order to inject professionalism right way 40 cricketers from India, Australia, England, Pakistan among other cricket playing nations have been signed to ProCricket contracts for the season. There will also be 120 US players.
The international players include Indian off spinner Nikhil Chopra, former batsman Ajay Jadeja, former West Indian pace great Courtney Walsh and English paceman Andy Caddick. The matches will be along the lines of 20/20 cricket which was first adopted by England in order to revive interest in their county cricket. Here only 20 overs are played by each side instead of 50.
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.
