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Legends League Cricket expands global reach
Mumbai: Legends League Cricket continues its successful broadcast partnership with Star Sports Network owing to the massive response to the previous editions of the League. All matches of the upcoming season of Legends League Cricket will be broadcast across Star Sports, and Disney+ Hotstar starting from the 18 of November 2023 till the 9 of December 2023.
“Legends League Cricket brings together the best national and international talent to the fans, and it was only right that we continue our association with the Star Sports Network and FanCode to showcase the Legends of the sport. This association will continue to give millions of cricket lovers in India the best viewing experience and bring them closer to the stars that they know and love.” said Legends League Cricket CEO Raman Raheja.
The addition of newer international cricketers and Indian Legends this season will help increase the viewership both in India and abroad. The league’s broadcasting numbers speak for themselves with 388 per cent higher reach than other T20 Leagues on Sports TV (excluding IPL), being the second most watched and rated T20 League (source: BARC 15+ AB), and a whopping 280 million global viewership in just its previous season.
The second franchisee edition of Legends League Cricket is scheduled from November 18 to December 9 and will feature matches in five cities: Ranchi, Dehradun, Jammu, Vizag, and Surat. The tournament will kick off with a match between Bhilwara Kings, led by Irfan Pathan, and the defending champions, India Capitals, captained by Gautam Gambhir. Six teams, including India Capitals, Manipal Tigers, Gujarat Giants, Urbanrisers Hyderabad, Southern Super Stars, and Bhilwara Kings, will compete for the coveted trophy.
Legends League Cricket will be broadcast in eight countries in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. The broadcasting partners for different countries are Star Sports in India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh along with Disney+ Hotstar, and ESPN+ will be available for viewers in South Africa and USA with an addition of Willow TV just for American viewers. Fox and Kayo Sports will cater to the Australian region, Etisalat in the Middle East, and BT Sports in the UK region.
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.
