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WTC Finals: Star Sports picks ‘The Greatest of All Time’ Test Cricketers
New Delhi: Test cricket has occupied a special place in the hearts of every cricket aficionado. For the past 144 years, the longest format witnessed several success stories highlighting the physicality and mental toughness from players across the 22 yards. There have been memorable victories and hard-fought fabled battles, but a world champion was never crowned.
That debate will be put to rest when the top two nations in Test cricket – India and New Zealand square off in the ICC World Test Championship Final. The match will be broadcasted LIVE and exclusive on the Star Sports Network from 18-22 June, 2 PM onwards.
To celebrate the historic feats in Test cricket, Star Sports has strung together a promotional activity to pick the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T) of the 21st century in Tests from among Batsmen, Bowlers, All-rounders and Captains. The winners for all the categories will be announced during the lunchtime show Cricket Live during the ICC WTC Final from 18-22 June, on the Star Sports Network.
“The nominees for the categories were carefully selected through a rigid process which included a set criterion for each of the categories. An elite 50-member jury was formed comprising legends of the game like Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Bishop, Harbhajan Singh, Shane Watson, Scott Styris, Gautam Gambhir among others, renowned sports journalists and coaches,” said the channel in a statement.
Star Sports has also given fans a chance to be a part of the jury, as fan polls will be conducted between 15-17 June on Twitter. The polls for Captain and All-rounder will take place on 17 June. All stats considered for the nominees are from or after 1 January, 2000 only.
Vote for your #GOATOfThe21stCentury Test Batsman, but first read the T&Cs here: https://t.co/0cSRQcZ4rM
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 15, 2021
Cast your vote for the #GOATOfThe21stCentury Men’s Test Bowler after reading the T&Cs: https://t.co/0cSRQcHtAe
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 15, 2021
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.
