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Ten Sports ropes in former cricketers to analyse ‘Straight Drive’
MUMBAI: Cricketing luminaries Imran Khan, Geoff Boycott and Nasser Hussain will join Ten Sports ambassadors Sanjay Manjrekar and Ramiz Raja on the channels’ analysis show Straight Drive, during the broadcast for the much-awaited India tour of Pakistan – Allianz Cup.
Ten Sports will telecast the coverage and additional features from the three test matches and five one day internationals between the traditional rivals, starting with the first Test at Lahore from 13 January.
The Ten Sports’ in-house production teams will produce the entire telecast in association with ARY Digital. This world feed will be given to the respective broadcasters and seen in all major cricket viewing nations.
The Straight Drive programme will return during the breaks and also at the end of the day’s play.
A unique feature of the television production for the series will be the use of ultra motion camera, making it the first sporting broadcast when the highly advanced equipment will be used in the Indian sub-continent.
The high-speed camera can record at speeds of 4800 frames per second, thus providing a new dimension to the slow motion replays.
The commentary team for the series includes West Indian star Michael Holding, Australian Dean Jones, Pakistan’s Ramiz Raja and Waqar Younis, as well as former Indian cricketers, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan and Arun Lal.
Apart from the ultra motion cameras, Ten Sports will also use the much-appreciated ‘dartfish’ motion-tracking technology, which it first used during the IndianOil Cup tri-nation limited over series in Sri Lanka in August last year, as well as the ‘Hawkeye’.
“A distinct facet of every Ten Sports live production and one that has been well appreciated by cricket writers, administrators and fans alike, is the unbiased, uncontroversial commentary and analysis that we provide.The fantastic line-up of cricketing legends that we have assembled for the series will certainly provide an interesting perspective to Indian viewers during this enthralling series,” said Taj Television Pvt Ltd CEO Chris McDonald.
Along with the live telecast, Ten Sports has lined up a slew of programmes including reruns of classic India-Pak clashes entitled Unforgettables to coincide with the tour.
The channel also recently shot a series of slick promos across India each capturing slice of life moments depicting the country’s passion for cricket, adds the release.
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.
