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Zee aims to replicate Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’s magic with DP World ILT20
MUMBAI: Cricket fever is officially off the charts as Season 3 of the DP World ILT20 kicks into high gear.
The tournament has already delivered spine-tingling action, courtesy of cricket legends like Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Sam Curran, and Andre Russell, among others. And guess what? You can catch all the drama live on Zee’s 15-linear TV channels, OTT platform Zee5, and partner networks.
Now, here’s the kicker—Zee isn’t just in it to stream cricket. They’re in it to transform the ILT20 into a blockbuster, much like their iconic Sa Re Ga Ma Pa series. The channel is doubling down on its knack for spotting and nurturing talent, this time in the world of cricket.
In a chat with Harbhajan Singh, Zee’s chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal revealed some ambitious goals, “Season 2 was a landmark achievement where we set a benchmark, reaching 220 million viewers. For Season 3, our goal is to make it even bigger and better, and we truly believe it’s happening—right from the very first match.”
But how does Zee plan to do it? Sehgal pointed to Zee’s history of fostering talent, “At Zee, nurturing and fostering new talents is in our DNA, as demonstrated by properties like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Season 3 is already showing massive potential, and we’re aiming to nurture this 3-year-old property into a HUGE success.”
So, could ILT20 become cricket’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa? If Zee’s track record is anything to go by, the answer is yes.
The tournament isn’t just about budding stars-it’s also stacked with cricketing royalty. Harbhajan Singh, with a whopping 711 international wickets, continues to bring his insights to the commentary box. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar-dubbed the “Rawalpindi Express”-is back as an ambassador, ready to electrify fans with his unmatched cricketing charisma.
With 34 matches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah from 11 January to 9 February 2025, cricket fans have plenty to look forward to. Tune in on any of Zee’s 15 linear TV channels, including favourites like Zee Cinema HD, &Flix, and Zee Biskope.
Six franchise teams-Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriorz-are set to battle it out for glory.
With star-studded rosters and Zee’s entertainment expertise, the third season of ILT20 promises to be a smashing hit. The question is-will you be watching?
Cricket, drama, and Zee-what more could you ask for?
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.
