The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to celebrate the nation’s cricketing elite at the highly anticipated Naman Awards 2026. Scheduled to take place in New Delhi on March 15, the event promises to be a spectacular evening honouring outstanding achievements across all levels of Indian cricket.
This annual ceremony is a cornerstone of the Indian cricketing calendar, dedicated to recognising the stellar performances of top players in international, domestic, and age-group competitions. Beyond current stars, the Naman Awards also pay tribute to former players and administrators whose dedication and vision have profoundly shaped the sport in India.
Legends to Receive Highest Honours
This year’s Naman Awards will see two towering figures of Indian cricket bestowed with the prestigious Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Legendary all-rounder Roger Binny and the ever-gracious Rahul Dravid will be recognised for their indelible contributions to the game, both on and off the field.
Adding to the distinguished list of honourees is former India captain Mithali Raj. A true icon of women’s cricket, Raj will be presented with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, a fitting acknowledgement of her extraordinary career and her role in inspiring a generation of female cricketers.
Roger Binny: A World Cup Warrior and Administrator
Roger Binny, a pivotal member of India’s triumphant 1983 Cricket World Cup-winning squad, etched his name in history as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. His impact on the game extended far beyond his playing days. Binny has served Indian cricket with distinction in various capacities, including as a coach, selector, and most recently, as the President of the BCCI, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the sport’s advancement.
Rahul Dravid: The Wall’s Enduring Legacy
Rahul Dravid, universally admired for his impeccable technique and unwavering sportsmanship, is set to be honoured for his monumental contributions to Indian cricket. During his illustrious playing career, Dravid amassed over 24,000 runs in international cricket. His transition into coaching saw him nurture young talent, leading the Indian U-19 team to success and heading the National Cricket Academy. Currently at the helm as the head coach of the Indian men’s team, Dravid recently guided the squad to a memorable victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Mithali Raj: A Pioneer of Women’s Cricket
Mithali Raj, a name synonymous with excellence in women’s cricket, will be celebrated for her remarkable career as both a player and captain. Her enduring legacy is cemented by her status as the leading run-scorer in Women’s ODI history, with an astonishing tally of over 7,800 runs. Raj’s leadership prowess was evident as she captained India to the finals of the Women’s Cricket World Cup in both 2005 and 2017, marking significant milestones for Indian women’s cricket.
Top Cricketers Recognised for Outstanding Seasons
The Naman Awards will also shine a spotlight on the current crop of Indian talent.
Shubman Gill will be presented with the coveted Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 2024-25 season. This marks Gill’s second career triumph in this prestigious category, underscoring his consistent brilliance.
Smriti Mandhana is set to receive the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for an incredible fifth time. Her consistent performances and elegant stroke play have made her a standout player on the global stage.
Domestic Cricket Excellence Celebrated
The Naman Awards also acknowledge the vital contributions to domestic cricket:
Ira Jadhav will be honoured with the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer in the domestic circuit.
Shafali Verma will receive recognition for her prowess in senior domestic One Day tournaments.
Promising All-Rounders to Receive Lala Amarnath Award
The Lala Amarnath Award, which recognises the best all-rounders in domestic cricket, will be presented to two deserving individuals:
Ayush Mhatre will be awarded for his exceptional all-round performances in domestic limited-overs competitions.
Harsh Dubey will be recognised for his outstanding contributions as an all-rounder in the prestigious Ranji Trophy.
Felicitations for Recent ICC Tournament Victories
In a special segment of the ceremony, the BCCI will felicitate five Indian teams for their recent triumphs in ICC tournaments. This includes the senior men’s and women’s teams, as well as the U-19 men’s and women’s teams, celebrating a period of significant success and dominance for Indian cricket across various age groups and formats.
