News Headline
Sony snares International cricket rights for Indo-Pak series
MUMBAI: In a development late last evening, Sony Entertainment Television wrested the international cricket telecast rights (for all countries with the exception of the Indian Subcontinent) for the Indo-Pak series.
Announcing this at a gala party hosted by cricket and movies channel MAX at Mumbai’s Grand Hyatt, Sony Entertainment boss Kunal Dasgupta looked rather battle weary but confident and dapper in his suit.
Sony Entertainment bested the bid of Nimbus Sports by agreeing to pay up $11.5 million to the BCCI. Nimbus’ bid, as per a letter dated 4 march and addressed to BCCI president RS Mahendra, was $11.15 million net.
Among ther others that made pitches in a hotly-contested race for the rights were broadband platform Willow TV with an $11.05 million offer and Ten Sports at $ 10.5 million.
Earlier Prasar Bharati had been allotted the domestic telecast rights while TWI had pocketed the production rights for the much touted series. At that stage, Nimbus boss Harish Thawani had protested against the BCCI decision saying his bid of $1.29 million was lower than TWI’s offer of $1.5 million to do the production. Adding Grist to the controversy surrounding the telecast issue was Punjab Cricket Association president IS Bindra who publicly supported Thawani’s contention in the matter.
Even today, Thawani voiced his protest. Speaking to indiantelevision.com around midnight, Thawani stated that Sony’s orignal offer had been $10.8 million, which was later upped to $11.5 million. Nimbus had subsequently offered to pay $12.5 million for the rights, Thawani said
Respondng to Thawani’s charge on the sidelines of the MAX party, Dasgupta pointed out that when the bids were opened at 5 pm, Sony’s was the highest. “There is no cause for any dispute in this matter,” he firmly told indiantelevision.com.
It may be recalled that Sony had made earlier a composite bid of $40 million. Sony’s offer to BCCI included air time sales and telecast rights for India and international territories. For just the Indian and international satellite telecast rights, Sony’s offer was $26 million. As a third option, Sony’s initial bid for just international rights was $10 million.
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.
