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Star India all set for Asia Cup 2016; ropes in 13 sponsors
MUMBAI: Star India is all set for the Asia Cup, which kick-starts on 24 February and has roped in as many as 13 sponsors for the same.
The 50-over cricket format in today fast paced age is fading into oblivion with T-20 gaining prominence as a preferred format. The Asia Cup cricket tournament, which was rolled out by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in 1983 as a goodwill between Asian countries, will have its 16th edition in Bangladesh. The tournament faced its own set of challenges time and again as it fell prey to the political inconsistencies between India and Pakistan.
After the ACC was downsized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in April 2015, it was announced that the upcoming Asia Cup events will be played on rotation basis in One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) format based on respective next world events under the ICC. What this means is that the 2016 and 2020 events will be played using the T20I format, ahead of the 2016 and 2020 World Twenty20s, and the 2018 and 2022 events will be played in the ODI format, ahead of the 2019 and 2023 World Cups respectively. It is for the first time Asia Cup will played in the T-20 format. The announcement may be a heart-breaking one for traditional cricket lovers but it’s certainly comes as icing on the cake for the official broadcaster – Star India.
“T-20 format is the only one, which is garnering full houses everywhere. This change in format gives the tournament a new dimension,” said a senior sports media planning expert.
Star India acquired the broadcasting rights of the tournament till 2023, and for the first edition it has roped in as many as 13 sponsors in Micromax, Magicbricks.com, Vimal Pan Masala, Shopclues.com, CEAT Tyres, Gillete March III, Britannia, Gaana.com, Idea, Raymond, Bharti Axa life insurance, Royal Stag and Karbonn Power Bank.
“The ad rates for a the matches will be close to Rs 4 lakh while the India VS Pakistan matches will command a higher price. Indo-Pak final can be a great boom for Star India as they can monetise it at a premium price,” asserts the expert.
According to sources, Star India acquired the telecast rights for approximately $40 million for four seasons till 2023. An executive from a rival channel said, “We chose not to bid for it and as per my knowledge there was no bidder to place a bid in order to acquire the rights. But then after a mutual discussion between Star India and the association, they came to a consensus. The minimum slab was $13 million per season, which we thought was too high.”
Micromax has come in as the on-ground title sponsor, while Britannia is the ‘powered by’ sponsor. “The title sponsor position was sold for Rs 8 crore, while Britannia dished out Rs 6 crore for the ‘powered by’ sponsorship. The tournament will see packed houses becoming a reality and hence it will be a good return on investment for brands that have come on board,” said the media planning expert.
The tourney will kick-start on 24 February and five teams will battle it out for Asian supremacy in Bangladesh. It now remains to be seen if the change in format rejuvenates the tournament.
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.
