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Nimbus threatens to seek damages after Sri Lanka cricket board terminates deal
Production house WSG Nimbus, which saw its three-year television, radio and sponsorship deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) terminated on Tuesday, today threatened to sue for damages.
BCCSL claims it was forced to foreclose the agreement due to constant delays in contractually agreed payments by Nimbus. BCCSL also obtained an ex parte court order in Colombo in support of this
Nimbus, in an official release denied it had breached the agreement in any respect. The release further states that Nimbus would be going in appeal to have the order set aside and would also seek redressal “from BCCSL for the losses, damage and injury to its reputation and business emanating from this unjustified action by the BCCSL in seeking to terminate the agreement.”
In January 2000, Nimbus had signed an agreement with BCSSL which was to run till 31 December 2003. According to the BCSSL, Nimbus has defaulted on its payments before as well. Last year in January, just before the England team’s tour to the Emerald Isles, Nimbus had defaulted on its payments and had been taken to court, is the board’s contention. Nimbus then agreed to execute bank guarantees before a certain date prior to every tour by cricket teams to Sri Lanka.
As per the agreement, in case Nimbus were to default in issuing this guarantee, the agreement between BCSSL and Nimbus would cease to be in force. There is a three-test series set to begin on 14 November with the West Indies and Nimbus has yet to execute the bank guarantees, BCSSL says. The board approached the Sri Lankan attorney-general who advised them that the agreement with Nimbus ceased to exist as they had failed to honour the contract, is the charge made by BCSSL.
Trans World International (TWI) which narrowly lost out to Nimbus on the original deal, reported to be $ 27 million, are now seen as favourites to secure the rights in the event that the termination 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.
