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ILT20 achieves 10 cr reach & 2.8 bn minutes across Zee’s 10 linear channels
Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. announced that the ongoing inaugural season of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has reached an incredible milestone, with over 10 crore viewers in India.
This is a significant milestone for the global cricket league and demonstrates Zee’s enormous reach and depth across the country. According to recent Barc data, over 108 million individual viewers tuned in across Zee’s linear channels to watch live cricket from across India. The inaugural season of the UAE’s homegrown ILT20, organised by the Emirates Cricket Board, has been a rousing success, with fans tuning in from all over the world to catch the thrilling action on the field.
ZEEL business president Rahul Johri said, “We are delighted with the overwhelming response for DP World ILT20’s inaugural edition. At Zee, we are committed to present exciting cricketing action to our audiences, and we will continue to build our sports broadcast business in a robust manner. We believe that DP World ILT20 has the potential to garner a much stronger performance in the coming weeks.”
The franchise-style tournament, which features six teams and 34 matches across the UAE, features 84 international and 24 UAE-based players. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors are among the franchise teams in the league (Capri Global).
For the 2023 edition, the league has also received significant advertising support from sponsors across all categories, including PayTM, Kurkure Playz, Kent RO, and Gulf Oil.
Since 13 January 2023, DP World ILT20 has been broadcast LIVE on Zee’s 10 linear channels and streamed on Zee5. Viewers in India and around the world can watch live cricket action on Zee Cinema (SD & HD), Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Thirai, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Zest (SD & HD), &Pictures HD, &Flix (SD & HD), and Zee5.
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.
