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ICC, broadcasters to discuss India cricket telecast rights
MUMBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) Full member countries will meet in Karachi on 12 January to discuss the issue of television rights in India. Representatives from several major broadcasters and media rights holders will attend the session.
Espn Star Sports (ESS), Sony Entertainment Television (Set), Ten Sports, Trans World International (TWI), Zee Telefilms and CSI Octagon will share their views on the cricket rights issue with ICC representatives. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief Sharad Pawar will represent India in the meeting.
According to an ICC official communiqué, the meeting has been convened following a directive issued recently by the Indian government that all major sporting events involving India, including high-profile cricket matches, should be made available to the public broadcaster Prasar Bharati.
Most of the ICC’s 10 full members heavily depend on Indian television revenue. ICC fears that the India government’s decision will create a huge impact when its $550 million, seven-year television rights deal comes up for renewal after the 2007 World Cup.
While the government was preparing to release its downlink policies, ICC president Ehsan Mani had written to the Indian Prime Minister, pointing out the complications a ‘must-share’ clause would cause. In the letter, Mani said such a decision would affect finances of the cash-stripped ICC member countries such as Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and West Indies.
An ICC Executive Board meeting will be held after the ICC Full member meet. The meeting will also focus on the cricket rights issue.
Attendees at the discussions will include ICC representatives Ehsan Mani (President), Percy Sonn (Vice-President), Malcolm Speed (Chief Executive) and Full member representatives Creagh O’Conner (Australia), Mohamad Ali Asghar (Bangladesh), David Morgan (England), Sir John Anderson (New Zealand), Shaharyar Khan (Pakistan), Jayantha Dharmadasa (Sri Lanka), Ray Mali (South Africa), Tony Marshall (West Indies), Peter Chingoka (Zimbabwe).
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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.
