The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the schedule for its annual 'NAMAN' awards ceremony, set to take place on Sunday, March 15, 2025, in New Delhi. This prestigious event serves as a platform to recognize and honor the exceptional performances of cricketers across senior and junior levels, as well as the contributions of former players, coaches, and match officials. According to board officials, the ceremony will highlight the achievements of the past cricketing season, celebrating both individual milestones and collective team triumphs.
Shubman Gill to Receive Cricketer of the Year Award
Star batter and current captain in the ODI and Test formats, Shubman Gill, has been selected for the 'Best International Cricketer' (Polly Umrigar Award) for the 2024-25 period. Gill's selection comes on the back of a prolific year across all formats. 00, including 7 centuries and 3 half-centuries. His performance in the home Test series against England was particularly noteworthy, where he scored 754 runs featuring 4 centuries. Also, his contribution was vital in India's Champions Trophy victory, where he recorded a significant century during the tournament.
CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for Rahul Dravid
Former Indian captain and head coach Rahul Dravid will be honored with the prestigious Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition acknowledges Dravid's dual legacy as one of the greatest Test batsmen and a highly successful coach, while under his tutelage, the Indian senior team ended an 11-year ICC trophy drought by winning the T20 World Cup in 2024. Plus, Dravid guided the India Under-19 team to a World Cup title in 2018. As a player, he remains the second-highest run-getter for India in Test history, and this award commemorates his lifelong dedication to the sport.
Recognition for T20 World Cup 2026 Champions
The ceremony will also feature a special felicitation for the Indian T20 squad led by Suryakumar Yadav, which recently secured a record third T20 World Cup title. Board representatives stated that since the team couldn't participate in a traditional victory parade due to a congested international schedule, the BCCI intends to use the NAMAN awards to formally celebrate this historic achievement, while the entire squad and the support staff will be recognized for their performance on the global stage.
Focus on Domestic Excellence and Youth Talent
In addition to international stars, the BCCI will honor domestic performers who have excelled in the previous season. Ayush Mhatre, the captain of the Under-19 World Cup-winning team, is slated to receive the award for the 'Best Domestic All-rounder'. Mhatre's consistent performance with both bat and ball in domestic circuits has been identified as a key highlight of the season. The board will also distribute awards to the highest run-scorers and leading wicket-takers across various age-group categories in domestic cricket.
Event Scope and Previous Honorees
The NAMAN awards encompass various categories, including recognition for umpires and match referees for their role in maintaining the integrity of the game. The event aims to acknowledge every stakeholder within the Indian cricketing ecosystem. Last year, the top honor was bestowed upon fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The upcoming ceremony in New Delhi is expected to be attended by several former cricketers, current stars, and prominent sports administrators, marking a significant date in the Indian cricketing calendar.