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ICC WTC Final ’23 on Star Sports becomes the most watched test match ever
Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of ICC events, has again delivered historic viewership numbers for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final ‘23. As per BARC, 124 million viewers tuned in to watch the live broadcast of ICC WTC Final ‘23, the highest ever reach garnered for any test match and 32 per cent higher than the previous ICC WTC Final ’21 between India and New Zealand. The broadcaster has also clocked an impressive 14.4 billion minutes of watch time for live broadcast, surpassing the billion minutes garnered for the previous edition of ICC WTC Final and any other test match in history.
Star Sports spokesperson said, “We are proud to achieve yet another milestone for Cricket viewership with the ICC World Test Championship Final ’23. The overwhelming response from fans is a testament to our relentless efforts to enhance accessibility to Cricket and foster a deeper passion for the game. Star Sports’ exceptional marketing campaigns, unparalleled coverage standards, and ground-breaking programming exemplify our unwavering mission to serve sports fans across the country. This record reaffirms our conviction in the growth potential of sports and marquee sporting properties on TV.”
The historic viewership numbers for ICC WTC Final ’23 follow an astounding year of live broadcasts for Star Sports Network, which have broken viewership records across formats and tournaments. Over the past year, the broadcaster has consistently delivered record-breaking viewership in cricket with Asia Cup 2022 viewership increasing by 16 per cent from the previous edition and registering the most watched India v Pakistan match outside World Cups, India’s bilateral ODIs versus Australia and South Africa rating 30-40 per cent higher and the Border-Gavaskar trophy between India and Australia also turning in impressive viewing figures. Additionally, the broadcaster also etched its name in history by delivering the biggest IPL ever on television, making it the first edition of the premier T20 tournament to register over half a billion viewers.
With an action-packed India cricket calendar, including Asia Cup 2023, ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 and India tour of South Africa, Star Sports is looking forward to galvanising Cricket fans and delivering historic audience aggregation on Television.
Source:
*ALL BARC DATA FOR LIVE BROADCAST (2+U+R)
**ALL BARC DATA FOR M15+ AB U
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.
