News Headline
Star Sports’ ‘SKYball’ campaign soars ahead of India-England T20I series
MUMBAI: Ready for cricket balls orbiting the moon?
Get your beers ready, because cricket’s biggest showstoppers—India and England—are set to light up your screens with a five-match T20I series starting 22 January. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the Blues and England bringing their explosive Bazball approach, this series is not just a clash of cricketing heavyweights—it’s a fireworks display in the making.
What’s more? Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar have launched the quirky and entertaining ‘SKYball’ campaign, and trust us, it’s out of this world—literally. But before we spill all the details, ask yourself: Can the moon survive SKY and Bazball’s six-hitting spree?
The campaign film, featuring India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, takes cricket fandom to a whole new level—space. Set in a mission control room, it hilariously shows cricket balls zooming toward the moon like mini rockets. Suryakumar, aka SKY, even apologises to the celestial body before delivering his punchline: “Moon, see you soon!”
If that’s not enough, the film cheekily teases England’s big hitters joining the action, as sirens blare and cricket balls whiz past the control station. The message? This series isn’t about boundaries—it’s about breaking them.
Speaking about the campaign, SKY said, “Every time we take the field, we are always looking to push the boundaries that help aim consistently for the moonshot. This rivalry has been among the most iconic and competitive ones for decades now, and even more so for the fans who are looking forward to witnessing some exciting cricket in our backyard.”
Adding to the hype, JioStar head of marketing – sports, Vikram Passi noted, “The campaign is a tribute to how the Blues, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, have taken power-hitting to a new high. Add the English power-hitters into the mix, and a sumptuous buffet of sixes is about to be served.”
With England’s much-hyped Bazball tactics facing India’s SKYball, fans can expect a high-octane contest where cricket balls will spend more time in the air than on the ground.
The stakes are sky-high. This five-match T20I series at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens kicks off India’s first home series of 2025 and serves as a crucial warm-up for the ICC Champions Trophy in February. With India ranked number one and England at number three, the battle promises to deliver top-tier cricketing drama.
Clear your evenings; you won’t want to miss a single six.
As cricket fans count down to 22 January, the question remains: Who will win the battle of the big hitters? Will SKY’s fireworks outshine England’s Bazball pyrotechnics? One thing’s for sure—this series will be unmissable.
Catch all the action live on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.
Series schedule: Mark your calendars
|
Match |
Date |
Day |
Time |
|
1st T20I |
22.01.25 |
Wednesday |
7:00 PM |
|
2nd T20I |
25.01.25 |
Saturday |
7:00 PM |
|
3rd T20I |
28.01.25 |
Tuesday |
7:00 PM |
|
4th T20I |
31.01.25 |
Friday |
7:00 PM |
|
5th T20I |
02.02.25 |
Sunday |
7:00 PM |
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.
