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IPL Auction 2024 delivers record-equalling TV viewership on Star Sports
Mumbai: Star Sports’ broadcast of IPL Auction 2024, held on 19 December, has equalled the highest viewership for any ‘mini’ auction in BARC history. The auction, which lasted over 6 hours, was held in Dubai at the Coca-Cola Arena and was watched for a record-equalling watch time of 0.92 billion minutes. This represents a 57 per cent growth in total watch time compared to last year for the event. The live auction was watched by 22.8 million viewers, which is also 29% higher than last year. Star Sports’ broadcast of the auction in 5 languages was preceded by extensive lead-up coverage to the auction, which included expert analysis and fan activations across linear and digital platforms.
Speaking on the viewership of the TATA IPL mini-auction 2024, a Star Sports spokesperson said, “A record-breaking year for Cricket viewership on Star Sports has ended on a high with the IPL Auction. The response to the auction also serves as a stellar start to the runway for IPL 2024 and reinforces the strong association of the marquee event with Star Sports. A distinctive element in this year’s auction coverage was the integration of fan sentiment in our coverage, in sync with BCCI and IPL teams’ efforts to integrate fans into the proceedings at the venue. The success of the auction has provided an early taster of Star Sports’ coverage and substantiated our confidence in the continued growth of the marquee Cricket event on TV.”
An additional 2.2 million viewers tuned in for the overall coverage of IPL Auction 2023 beyond the live event, which included a curtain-raiser on the eve of the auction and “Cricket Live – Auction Special”, live shows before, during and after the event. The most-watched moments of IPL Auction 2024 were the headline-grabbing bidding wars for Australian stars Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who was bought by Sun Risers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders respectively for more than 20 Crores each. CSK’s winning bid of 14 Crore for New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell also featured in the three most-watched moments from the auction.
The live broadcast of IPL 2023 was watched by 505 million unique viewers on TV across the Star network, which was the highest ever for any edition of the tournament.
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.
