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High price dictated Disney-Star’s decision not pursue IPL digital rights
Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar which was in the running for the Indian Premier League digital broadcast rights decided to drop out due to the high price of the rights package.
Disney Star participated in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights e-auction and stated that it made disciplined bids with a focus on long-term value.
The company retained the TV broadcast rights to the tournament for the next five years for a substantial price of Rs 23,575 crore or Rs 57.5 crore per match. “We made disciplined bids with a focus on long-term value. We chose not to proceed with the digital rights given the price required to secure that package,” stated Campbell.
“We are pleased to extend our association with the Indian Premier League and look forward to offering the next five seasons across our portfolio of television channels,” said Campbell. “IPL is an important component of our portfolio of television channels in India, providing an incredible opportunity for us to showcase The Walt Disney Company’s powerful global brands and iconic storytelling, as well as Disney Star’s impressive collection of local original content, to millions of viewers in India.”
Disney Star India will explore other multi-platform cricket rights controlled by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The company holds the rights to premier sports properties such as Pro Kabaddi League, Indian Super League Football as well as various international rights including Tennis Grand Slam Wimbledon Championships and the English Premier League.
Disney Star operates a portfolio of more than 70 television channels in India that cut across general entertainment, films, sports, infotainment, kids and lifestyle content reaching 90 per cent of pay cable and satellite TV homes in the region.
The company’s OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar has 100 local original titles in the pipeline with over 80 originals slated to premier this fiscal year. Last year, seven out of the top ten most popular Hindi subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) entertainment series in India were Hotstar Specials. “Disney+ Hotstar has changed the way Indians watch their entertainment – from favourite locally produced original TV shows to global blockbuster films,” said Campbell.
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.
