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IPL 2020 logs record-breaking viewership
MUMBAI: When the Indian Premier League (IPL) went on hiatus in March due to the Covid2019 pandemic, fans wondered when they would get to see their favourite teams and cricketers play, if at all. But the IPL did return – with a bang. In spite of being held in the UAE, that too without in-stadia audience, the tournament has logged a record-breaking increase of 28 per cent in viewership as compared to the previous edition.
From September 19 through November 10, the IPL enthralled fans with non-stop action which involved cliffhanger matches, splendid bowling spells, and spectacular batting. It not only enlivened the people after months of Covid-induced gloom, but also lifted up certain sections of the economy. In fact, IPL 2020 had 18 sponsors and 110 brands on board, which is the highest number of partners and advertisers in the history of the league.
There are many noteworthy firsts for IPL 2020. For the first time, the title sponsor of IPL is a sports brand, Dream11. Fan engagement was driven digitally by creating digital fan walls in the stadium and the commentary box. The four large virtual fan walls include pre-recorded videos of cheerleaders on branded walls of sponsors. IPL teams like Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals launched digital initiatives to connect with fans. Mumbai Indians launched ‘MI Live’ and ‘Paltan Play’ and Rajasthan Royals started a community-based programme called ‘Super Royals’.
IPL chairman Brijesh Patel said, “IPL has always endeavoured to provide a world-class sports event for its fans.”
He thanked title sponsor Dream11, which associated itself with the hugely popular league after the BCCI parted ways with its earlier partner, Vivo.
“With Dream11 coming on board as the title sponsor for IPL 2020, we are happy to see a digital sports brand like Dream11 increasing fan engagement through fantasy sport. It is equally heartening to see how Dream11 has integrated its users in all Dream11 IPL match activations. The match countdown, Dream11 champion fans wall and the virtual guest box have all been brought about to bring the fans to the forefront.”
Similar fan activity and engagement was witnessed on the fantasy sports app Dream11 too. The platform experienced a surge of 44.4 per cent traffic volume as against the final match of IPL 2019 and achieved above 5.3 million user concurrency.
Dream11 chief marketing officer Vikrant Mudaliar said, “IPL is the biggest sports event in India that witnesses extremely high fan fervour, and we are happy to see similar engagement on Dream11. Fantasy sports have increasingly become integral to fan engagement with every IPL. Sports fans are at the centre of everything we do, and we have integrated our users in all Dream11 IPL match activations.”
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.
