New Delhi’s cricket fraternity came alive on Sunday night as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hosted another glittering edition of the Naman Awards. This prestigious annual ceremony celebrates the finest achievements in Indian cricket, bringing together legends, current stars, and rising talents under one roof.
Sachin Tendulkar, the Master Blaster himself, took to X to share his joy. ‘A special night for Indian cricket,’ he posted, highlighting the celebration of teams that clinched five ICC titles. He extended heartfelt congratulations to his longtime teammate Rahul Dravid for receiving the Colonel C.K. Naidu Lifetime Achievement Award. Tendulkar also praised Roger Binny, the 1983 World Cup hero and former BCCI president, alongside women’s cricket icons Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana, and young gun Shubman Gill.
Anil Kumble echoed similar sentiments, calling it a ‘special award night celebrating Indian cricket’s journey.’ The former leg-spinner lauded Dravid as his ‘dear friend’ and Binny as his first captain. Kumble congratulated all winners, emphasizing the rare sight of five ICC title-winning teams together.
The event, attended by BCCI top brass and ICC Chairman Jay Shah, honored lifetime achievers like Dravid, Binny, and Mithali Raj with the Colonel C.K. Naidu award. Shubman Gill pocketed the Polly Umrigar Award for the 2024-25 season in ODIs and Tests. Smriti Mandhana was named Best International Cricketer (Women).
Emerging stars shone too. Shefali Verma and U-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre were recognized for domestic heroics. N. Shri Charani and Harshit Rana earned Best International Debut honors, while Mumbai Cricket Association clinched the Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments 2024-25.
This gala not only rewarded excellence but also bridged generations, reminding fans of India’s cricketing legacy and promising future. As legends like Tendulkar and Kumble cheered on, the Naman Awards reinforced cricket’s unbreakable bond in the nation.