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Star Sports sees a 24 per cent increase in overall build-up programming reach ahead of IPL 2024
Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Tata IPL 2024, has already set new viewership benchmarks for the upcoming season. Since the commencement of its IPL build-up programming, Star Sports has witnessed a remarkable 24 per cent increase in viewership compared to last year, reaching an astounding 245 million viewers as of 15 March 2024. The total consumption for build-up programming has soared to 21.3 billion minutes, an impressive 26 per cent higher compared to last year. This unprecedented engagement, even before a ball is bowled, highlights the overwhelming popularity, enhanced storytelling in multiple languages, and the network’s connection with fans across different cohorts.
Star Sports has left no stone unturned in delivering an exciting opening. Viewers on TV will get to see exclusive interviews with 8 of the 10 IPL captains on their vision for the upcoming tournament. Outside of the opening ceremony, Star Sports will be airing exclusive content with some of the biggest celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Kareena Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, A R Rahman, Vijay Devarakonda, Prabhudeva and many more.
With a Starcast of more 150 commentators and presenters, including former players with more than 40 IPL titles among them, 12 IPL team coaches, 18 World Cup Winners, 12 international captains and more, viewers can expect an engaging broadcast. There is already a lot of excitement for the comeback of Navjot Singh Sidhu in the Star Sports commentary box after almost a decade.
This weekend, Star Sports will also be premiering some of their innovations. The biggest one being the AI technology that enables international commentators to speak Hindi in their original voice, connecting with a wider audience during the thrilling TATA IPL 2024 matches throughout the season. Additionally, the ‘Shor Meter,’ will capture real-time crowd noise decibel levels, quantifying the nation’s passion for their biggest heroes and best cricketing moments.
The official IPL broadcaster has always believed in customising feeds. Along with the focus on languages, Star Sports is going to be launching a special feed for hearing-impaired and visually-impaired fans- Indian Sign Language feed. In addition, kids can enjoy a special Sunday feed to get closer to the game. Also, for the first time, the broadcaster is producing IPL in the unmatched combination of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.
Star Sports is geared up for an electrifying season that promises fans unprecedented access, cutting-edge technology, and a star-studded lineup of cricketing legends and esteemed commentators.
Watch the thrilling action of the TATA IPL 2024 on television live from 22 March only on the Star Sports Network.
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.
