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TAM Sports: Ad volumes surge as IPL 2025 hits a six with brands
MUMBAI: The latest advertising fiesta around Indian Premier League cricket has bowled over expectations, with commercial volumes jumping sevem per cent in the first five matches of IPL 2025 compared to last year’s opening spell.
The IPL advertising carnival, which kicked off on 22 March, has attracted a whopping 29 per cent more advertisers (55+ in IPL18 vs 40+ in IPL17) than the previous season, according to data from TAM Sports. The number of product categories hawking their wares has also climbed by 12 per cent (45+ vs 40+), suggesting marketers are stumping up more cash for India’s premier sporting extravaganza.
Mouth fresheners have emerged as the surprise package this season, gobbling up 11 per cent of total advertising time and displacing last year’s champion, the gaming platforms. These minty merchants, led by Vishnu Packaging’s Vimal Elaichi, clearly believe cricket fans need fresh breath while biting their nails during nail-biting finishes.
The digital gaming sector hasn’t thrown in the towel, however, claiming the second spot with a hefty 10 per cent share of advertising volumes. Dream11.com’s parent Sporta Technologies remains a formidable presence, though it has slipped from last year’s top advertiser position.
Biscuit baron Parle has crumbled the competition to claim the advertiser’s crown, contributing 8 per cent of total ad volumes. Its Platina Hide & Seek brand made its IPL debut as the most prominent among 67 new brands that have joined the advertising innings this season.
Tech giant Apple has also dialled up its presence, with its iPhone 16E campaign helping the company secure third place among top advertisers.
The food and beverages sector continues to have a healthy appetite for cricket audiences, with two of the top five advertising categories coming from this segment. Meanwhile, automobile makers have driven into the top five for the first time, with the ‘Cars’ category parking itself in fifth position with a six per cent share.
As the cricketing carnival continues, brands are clearly betting big on the IPL’s ability to deliver eyeballs. With 28 channels now broadcasting the cricket extravaganza—up from 24 last year—advertisers have more platforms than ever to bowl over potential customers during the six-week sporting spectacle.
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.
