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ICC gears up against ambush marketing at Champions Trophy
MUMBAI: In the past there has been a controversy over ambush marketing tactics at the International Cricket Council (ICC) events. This refers to a company using an event to create further awareness for its product while not being an official partner.
In the wake of this, ICC has announced that it will not leave any stone unturned in guarding against ‘ambush’ marketing activities during the the ICC Champions Trophy in England from 10 September 2004. In India the event will air on Max.
ICC CEO Malcolm Speed said that the ICC and tournament host – the England and Wales Cricket Board, would be guarding carefully against products being brought into any of the tournament’s three grounds being used. The aim is to prevent a non ICC partner from using the event to create exposure or improve product profile.
Speed added, “We will guard against products being taken into the ground with the intention of creating exposure or profile to the detriment of our global sponsors – LG, Pepsi, Hutch and Hero Honda. It is important that any sports body has the right to control what is being brought into their events.”
“This right is important from both a safety and security point of view as well as in being able to protect the millions of pounds investment that sport’s commercial partners make to allow these events to take place,” Speed said.
“In the case of the ICC Champions Trophy, it is not the intention to create hardship or difficulties for those cricket fans coming to the event simply to enjoy the cricket. Security staff for the event will be instructed to be sensible and sensitive in applying this policy to cricket fans coming to the games to enjoy the matches,” Speed concluded.
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.
