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IPL 2021: Star India garners cumulative reach of 352 million in 26 matches
KOLKATA: After a span of two years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off on home soil with much pomp and show during the quarter when it’s routinely played. However, with the alarming peak in Covid cases across the country, the Board of Cricket Council India (BCCI) came under intense pressure to suspend the tournament. As soon as the bio bubble was breached, the writing on the wall was clear – the board had no choice but to call off the event for the time being. Despite the controversy surrounding the IPL this time around, it has nevertheless entertained viewers in its nearly month-long run, perhaps serving as a distraction from the negativity all around, if one goes by the numbers.
According to latest data, Star India network has garnered a cumulative reach of 352 million in the first 26 matches of IPL 2021, compared to 349 million in the corresponding number of matches in IPL 2020 (Source – BARC TG: 2+U+R). Since acquiring the media rights for the league, Star and Disney India have tremendously grown the league year-on-year. The upward trend reflects the loyalty of the fans and the popularity of the Indian Premier League.
“We are humbled with the response to IPL 2021. While it’s heartening to know that more viewers tuned in to watch this IPL season than the one in 2020 (at the same stage of the tournament), we still believe that postponing the season was the right decision to ensure the safety of everyone involved and in line with the prevailing situation in the country,” said a Star Sports spokesperson.
The IPL megacast with nine different feeds in multiple languages along with broadcast innovations – such as simulated crowd sound and dynamic audio – kept viewers equally engaged as the last season. The Star India network had earlier announced that it had clocked 323 million total impressions for the opening match of Vivo IPL 2021.
The curtain raiser between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore received a tremendous response, bigger than opening matches of all other IPL editions held previously (other than Dream11 IPL 2020) and 42 per cent higher than the 2019 season. This year, nearly every third TV-owning household in India watched the opening match live.
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.
