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Star Sports’ new World Cup TVC takes pot shots at Pakistan’s consistent loss to India
MUMBAI: While the world is gearing up for the soon to begin ICC Cricket World Cup, fans in India and Pakistan are an excited lot too as India clashes with its arch rivals on 15 February during their opening match. To add to the excitement, official broadcast network – Star Sports – has launched a TVC as part of its overall campaign titled #WontGiveItBack.
The 60 second TVC shows a young Pakistan cricket fan sporting the team colours waiting to celebrate the victory over India in the World Cup since 1992. The wait has been so long that he now has a son, who also repeats his father’s routine to no avail as India eventually defeats them. The comic element of the film revolves around the fans’ routine of getting the crackers out for celebration in every edition of the World Cup when India plays Pakistan, in anticipation of their win but only to shelf them back again in disappointment.
The communication brief for the TVC stated that India versus Pakistan in the World Cup is the biggest game on the cricket calendar. It also happens to be the first game for both the teams as they kick off their respective WC campaigns. Secondly, the brief was to ignite a sense of pride and passion amongst Indian cricket fans.
The statistical insight was based on the fact that India holds the bragging rights to this game. India and Pakistan have played each other in the World Cup five times and India has come out victorious each time.
The TVC is produced by Bubblewrap Films, directed by Suresh Triveni and produced by Ketaki Guhagarkar. The Star Sports team comprised Rohit Khanna, Venkataraman Mandalam, Juju Basu, Mustafa Rangwala, Vikas Dubey, Prathamesh Sapte, Atulya Parashar, Ajeet Mestry and Dayanand Bhoite.
The TVC so far has garnered 2,50,050+ views on YouTube. The highly anticipated match will be telecast live on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD 1, Star Sports HD 3 and starsports.com. The coverage of the match will begin from 7:30 am.
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.
