BCCI Unveils Naman Awards 2024-25 to Recognize Cricket Legends

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Naman Awards for 2024-25, set to honour players who have made significant contributions to Indian cricket. The ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, in New Delhi, celebrating the outstanding achievements of various cricketers across different formats of the game.

The Naman Awards aim to recognize the exceptional impact of both legendary players and emerging talents in international, domestic, and age-group cricket. This year, the BCCI will present the prestigious Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award to two cricket icons: Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid. Additionally, the esteemed BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award will be conferred upon Mithali Raj, a stalwart in women’s cricket.

Highlighting Legendary Contributions

Roger Binny, renowned for his performance in the 1983 ODI World Cup, will be honored for his remarkable contributions to Indian cricket. As the highest wicket-taker of that tournament, Binny played a pivotal role in India’s historic victory. After retiring, he continued to influence the game, leading the Under-19 team to a World Cup title and serving as the BCCI President from 2022 to 2025.

Similarly, Rahul Dravid will be celebrated for his immense impact as both a player and a mentor. Known as “The Wall,” Dravid amassed over 24,000 international runs during his career and has been instrumental in nurturing young talent through his role as Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy. His leadership helped guide India’s Under-19 team to World Cup success in 2018.

Furthermore, Mithali Raj, a trailblazer in women’s cricket, will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women. With over 7,805 runs in One Day Internationals, Raj has left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired countless young female cricketers. Her captaincy led the Indian women’s team to two World Cup finals, establishing a strong reputation globally.

Acknowledging Emerging and Established Talent

The BCCI will also recognize emerging talent and outstanding performances across various categories. The Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer for 2024-25 will go to Shubman Gill for men and Smriti Mandhana for women, while the Best International Debut awards will be presented to Harshit Rana and N Sree Charani.

In domestic competitions, several players will be acknowledged for their exceptional performances. The Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-Rounder in the Ranji Trophy will recognize Harsh Dubey for the Elite Group and Ayush Mhatre for Limited-Overs Competitions.

The Madhavrao Scindia Awards will highlight the highest run-getters and wicket-takers in both the Plate and Elite Groups of the Ranji Trophy, further showcasing the depth of talent within Indian cricket.

The Naman Awards 2024-25 promise to be a grand celebration of the rich history and future potential of cricket in India, honouring those who have dedicated their lives to the sport.