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Mumbai’s cricket carnival returns with new owners and a Hitman’s touch
MUMBAI: Mumbai’s domestic T20 bandwagon is finally rolling again, with the city’s cricket association unveiling two deep-pocketed new franchise owners and a star-studded face for its revival season. Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd has stumped up a whopping Rs 82 crore to secure the Sobo Mumbai Falcons, while Royal Edge Sports & Entertainment has shelled out Rs 57 crore to take control of the Mumbai South Central outfit.
The much-anticipated third edition, returning after a six-year innings break, will be fronted by none other than Mumbai’s favourite son and India’s World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma. The “Hitman” was on hand Friday to unveil the tournament trophy and lend his considerable clout to proceedings.
“Our domestic structure has always been the foundation of Indian cricket’s success,” said Sharma, who has gone from Mumbai’s maidans to global stardom. “Leagues like T20 Mumbai play a significant role in that journey. They serve as platforms that uncover new talent and provide young players with the exposure they need. Mumbai has a rich cricketing legacy, and we’ve seen some incredible players emerge from here I’m confident the third season will be a memorable experience—not just for the players, but for the fans as well.”
The league, scheduled to bowl off on 26 May, appears to have struck a chord with cricket-mad Mumbaikars, attracting over 2,800 player registrations. It will maintain its eight-team format, with the two new ownership groups joining six established franchises: North Mumbai Panthers, Arcs Andheri, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, Namo Bandra Blasters, Eagle Thane Strikers and Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs.
“We are proud to announce Rohit Sharma as the face of the T20 Mumbai League,” gushed Ajinkya Naik, president of the Mumbai Cricket Association. “His remarkable achievements reflect the core values of Mumbai cricket—grit, determination, hard work, and ambition.”
The tournament has previously served as a launching pad for several players who have since made their mark at higher levels, including Indian internationals Shivam Dube and Tushar Deshpande. Organisers are banking on this third edition to unearth the next generation of cricket stars from Mumbai’s talent-rich soil.
After years spent watching from the pavilion, Mumbai’s cricket faithful can finally pad up for some local T20 fireworks next month—and with Rs 139 crore of fresh investment and Rohit Sharma’s star power behind it, the tournament looks set to send the ball flying into the stands.
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.
