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Good news for Star as IPL 2019 to be played entirely in India
MUMBAI: The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held in India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced, allaying fears of franchises, brands, fans and most importantly the broadcaster Star India. The cash-rich league will kick off from 23 March 2019 said the Indian board after the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) met on Tuesday to discuss the tournament’s venues and window.
"Based on the preliminary discussions with the appropriate central and state agencies/authorities, it was decided that the 12th edition of the world's most popular and competitive T20 tournament will be scheduled to be played in India," a statement issued by the BCCI read.
The CoA will have detailed discussion with all the stakeholders before releasing the IPL 2019 schedule.
"It is proposed that the IPL 2019 will commence on 23 March 2019. The detailed schedule will be finalised in consultation with the appropriate authorities," it added.
The BCCI’s announcement put an end to months of speculation about IPL’s venue given the possibility of it clashing with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the dates of which are yet to be communicated by the Election Commission.
“Franchises, sponsors and broadcast rights holders, and more importantly the fans, will be delighted,” tweeted veteran sports commentator Harsh Bhogle after the development.
The last time the IPL was held in March was way back in 2010. Since then, the league has always commenced in the first half of April and ended in May.
Spatial Access CEO Vineet Sodhani said, “The elections give better reach to brands than cricket at a far lesser cost. It may be a good alternative or some kind of blend that brands can do with little bit of elections and little of cricket.”
The dates have been changed due to the ODI World Cup in England from May 30. According to the new BCCI constitution, it is mandatory to have a 15-day gap between the end of the IPL and India's international engagements.
The IPL has hosted outside India twice due to general elections. The entire 2009 edition was moved to South Africa, while in 2014, some matches were played in the UAE.
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.
