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Nimbus bests TWI to bag BCCI TV production
MUMBAI: In what finally came down to a race between two contestants, Nimbus Sport bested TWI to secure the BCCI contract for television productions of all the international and domestic cricket matches from March 2006 to March 2010.
A statement issued by the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) said, “Nimbus Sport quoted less than TWI in both the HDTV based package and the SDTV based package and being the lowest cost bidder, BCCI has awarded the production contract to Nimbus Sport.”
The release further said, “Despite a considerably higher technical specifications issued by BCCI compared to previous series, such as increase in cameras from 21 to 25, inclusion of Hawkeye or equivalent, Zoomer, Ruler etc; BCCI has achieved an approx SDTV cost per day of coverage of international cricket of less than $ 96,000 compared to the recent India-Sri Lanka and India-South Africa ODI series where the BCCI had paid approx $ 125,000 per day. The reduction in cost is despite the fact that current contract with Nimbus Sport is for the next four years and costs will escalate every year but the BCCI has secured a fixed price for four years.”
Even the HDTV quote ($ 102,000 per day) of Nimbus Sport works out to less on a per day basis than that paid out by BCCI on the above mentioned series for SDTV. The HDTV world feed will be produced from the second series in the four-year contract. This will be the first ever HDTV production of cricket in the world.
The deal will also involve up to 72 days of domestic cricket coverage as part of the package that will be produced by Nimbus Sport.
Lalit Modi, chairman of the BCCI marketing sub committee said, “BCCI in its quest for development of cricket in India wishes to provide the cricket fan the best viewing experience. With Nimbus Sports excellent track record and very competitive cost BCCI has secured for itself and its fans a fantastic level of television coverage never before seen in India cricket.”
Commenting on the development Nimbus Sport chairman Harish Thawani said, “To say we are delighted to win the confidence of the BCCI is an understatement. …we look forward to delivering to viewers across the world a never before seen standard of cricket coverage.”
Nimbus Sport has previously produced for three years (2001-2003) Indian international cricket, has been the producer of the world feed of several other international cricket events, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2002 and the customized feeds of the ICC Cricket World Cups in 1999 and 2003.
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.
