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ICC, LG extend association to produce player rankings
MUMBAI: This is an initiative which consumer durable LG Electronics is looking to strengthen its relationship with the bat and ball game. The International Cricket Council (ICC) and LG have joined hands to produce and promote the LG-ICC Test Championship- the LG-ICC One-Day International Championship and the first ever official player rankings, the LG-ICC Player Rankings.
The deal encompasses the LG-ICC Test Championship launched in May 2001, the LG-ICC ODI Championship launched in October 2002. Joining the two is the new LG-ICC Player Rankings.
ICC CEO Malcolm Speed said that he was delighted that LG’s enthusiasm for cricket had helped the ICC to introduce official rankings for individual players alongside the well-established team tables.
Speed adds, “Post ICC Test Championship in May 2001, it has been our ambition to complement this with an ongoing championship table for One-Day International cricket and official player rankings.
“The ICC ODI Championship was introduced in October 2002 and today’s announcement implies that we now have a full suite of official rankings,” said Speed.
LG deputy MD M.B. Shin said that this partnership expanded the company’s long-standing involvement with international cricket. “LG Electronics has established itself as a major international sports sponsor and has partnered with top sporting associations and bodies globally. In terms of cricket LG’s commitment to the game extends far beyond mere ads and sponsorships; we are truly committed to the development of the overall quality of the game in the long run.”
Cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar said, “Statistics play a big role in cricket and there are no more interesting statistics than the standings of teams and the relative merits of players.
The fact that all of this information is now ‘official’ is good news for the sport and to its passionate fans alike. I congratulate the ICC and LG for this association.”
India captain Sourav Ganguly said that the introduction of officially recognised player rankings would be popular with the players. “These player rankings have been tried and tested over many years and it is excellent news that they have now been officially recognised by the ICC and LG.”
Meanwhile, Australia reaffirmed its top spot in the LG-ICC Test Championship with a recent 3-0 home series victory over Pakistan. It also leads the way in the LG-ICC ODI Championship tables in which New Zealand is its closest challenger. The top Test batsman is Rahul Dravid while the top Test bowler is Glenn McGrath.
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.
