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Ratings make India-England ‘Biggest Test Series of the Year’
MUMBAI: In a season, which will see India play 13 Tests in 2016-17, the longer format of cricket has seen a revival in terms of following and viewership. Owing to intense finishes, audience numbers in the last three games at Mohali, Mumbai and Chennai in the India versus England series was good. Following India’s good performance, broadcast rights holder Star India and its digital sibling Hotstar too gained.
While India defeated the England cricket team comprehensively 4-0 in the five-match Test series, it was clear that Captain Virat Kohli and his team’s exploits were getting back the mojo associated with Test cricket. Team India’s cricketing exploits reflected on the numbers too: a total of 572 million impressions in the first four Tests in the urban market and a total of 956 million impressions in the all-India market.
The fourth Test saw Kohli hitting 235, his third triple century this year. According to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India ratings, the highest viewership, 246 million impressions, was garnered in the fourth Test, in which India defeated the visitors by an innings and 36 runs. This was also the highest rating for any Test featuring India in the last three years. Calculated on 4+ all-India pro-rata base, the data proves that it was indeed the ‘Biggest Test series of the Year’.
With Dean Jones clearly suggesting that Asia, in general, and India, in particular, need to like the longer format of the game for its survival, the ratings prove that audiences are on the right track. With the next test series at home lined up against Australia, there’s surely no dearth of excitement for the fans of the longer version of the game. The four match Test series starts on 23 February 2017.
Meanwhile, coming back to India vs. England series, the first Test got 244 million impressions in the all-India market and clocked 144 million impressions from the urban market. The second Test grew in numbers with 248 and 147 million impressions, respectively, in the all-India and urban market. The third Test saw a little lull, garnering 218 and 131 million impressions, respectively.
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.
