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South Africa’s Betway SA20 Season 3 cricket league sets new viewing and attendance records
MUMBAI: It’s in crackling, explosive form. Betway SA20 has kicked off its third season with a record-breaking opening match viewership, surpassing previous records and solidifying its position as a major force in South African cricket.
The opening match between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town drew a record 382,778 live unique viewers on SuperSport, a 129 per cent increase from Season 2. This makes it the second-highest recorded live opening viewership number on SuperSport this summer, behind the T20 series between the Proteas and India.
Additionally, the opening week saw record attendance numbers, with four sold-out matches and an 79 per cent attendance rate across six matches. The fans have enthusiastically embraced the cricket and entertainment experience, setting the stage for a successful tournament.
League commissioner Graeme Smith attributed the success to the collective efforts of the franchises, SuperSport, and the fans, saying, “We’ve worked hard to establish the league as a property that appeals to viewers at home and those who come to the stadium. These numbers give us the confidence that we’re on the right track to building on a strong foundation. The league has come to be recognised as amongst the best in the world after the IPL. Most people did not give us a chance of succeeding.”
Nielsen Sports SA managing director Tumelo Selikane added, “We’re thrilled with the response to the Betway SA20 league. The strong viewership numbers are a testament to the league’s growing popularity and the exceptional work of SuperSport and the League.”
Betway SA20’s success has also attracted new sponsors, further solidifying its commercial value and appeal. As the tournament progresses, the league is poised for continued success, with strong viewership numbers and growing commercial appeal.
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.
