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Vivo IPL to recommence in UAE in Sep-October
MUMBAI: The world’s most valued cricket league – the Vivo Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to make a comeback (and continue from where it left off early May) in September-October 2021 in the United Arab Emirates. This was announced by The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah through a press release a short while ago.
The decision was taken, Shah revealed, because “the monsoon season in India (is still in place) in the months of September-October this year.”
It may be recalled that the Vivo IPL 2021 had to be aborted following three cricketers getting infected by the novel coronavirus, despite strict bio bubbles being in place. At that time, India had just started reporting global world-record-setting Covid-19 infections as the pandemic’s second wave gathered pace.
The decision was taken at the special general meeting (SGM) held virtually, where members unanimously agreed to resume the IPL. India is all set to play a five-match test series against England, and it is speculated that the T20 series will commence immediately after the tour ends.
The BCCI SGM on Saturday further authorised its office bearers to seek an extension of time from the ICC to take an appropriate call on the hosting of ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
IPL’s comeback is a welcome one for the broadcaster Disney Star India, advertisers, and agencies who were left twiddling their thumbs when a decision was taken to pull down the curtains on the tournament because of the negative Covid-19 sentiments and burgeoning deaths due to the pandemic in India.
Advertisers – who had signed for the IPL which was to end this month – were given the first right of refusal to their deals with Disney Star India when the tournament’s recommencement dates would be announced.
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.
