News Headline
Pakistan’s India-Pak match boycott threatens 15–20 per cent slip in JioStar ad revenues
MUMBAI: JioStar is staring at a potential 15–20 per cent drop in advertising revenues from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after Pakistan said it would boycott its marquee clash against India, the Economic Times reported.
The India–Pakistan match is among the most valuable fixtures in world cricket, drawing massive audiences and commanding premium advertising rates. For many brands, it forms the centrepiece of World Cup marketing campaigns.
The broadcaster is aiming to generate more than Rs 2,000 crore in ad revenues across television and digital platforms during the tournament. Industry executives estimate that the absence of the high-profile match could shave off as much as one-fifth of that total. Subscription earnings are expected to remain steady, given that most deals are locked in on a fixed-fee, annual basis.
Advertising slots during marquee India games, particularly against Pakistan, fetch up to Rs 17 lakh for a 10-second spot.
While JioStar has maintained that the Pakistan Cricket Board is yet to formally inform the ICC of the decision, the Pakistan government confirmed on Sunday that the team would take part in the tournament but would not play India.
Media planners said the cancellation of the 15 February fixture would likely trigger renegotiations with advertisers.
The development adds to the strain on sports broadcasters, already grappling with the fallout from the ban on real-money gaming platforms such as Dream11 and My11Circle, which has erased an estimated Rs 7,000 crore from the sports advertising ecosystem.
The fallout could extend to the ICC itself. Under a four-year media rights agreement worth around $3 billion for 2024–27, JioStar is expected to pay between $750 million and $1 billion this year alone. Any revenue pressure could lead to revised payment terms, affecting the ICC and its member boards, including Pakistan.
Some advertisers are also expected to divert spending towards the Indian Premier League, scheduled soon after the World Cup.
Even so, analysts believe robust viewership during the Super 8 and knockout stages may help soften the overall revenue impact.
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.
