Mumbai, March 14 (NationPress) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to celebrate notable achievements in Indian cricket during the Naman Awards 2026, scheduled for Sunday in the capital city. Honorees include former BCCI president Roger Binny, ex-captain and coach Rahul Dravid, and former women's captain Mithali Raj, who will receive the esteemed Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a career defined by dedication, integrity, and significant contributions to Indian cricket.

A significant highlight of the Naman Awards 2026 will be the acknowledgment of all five Indian teams that have clinched ICC trophies, marking a remarkable achievement in Indian cricket history. The BCCI will honor the senior men’s team for their triumphs in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Additionally, the senior women’s team will be celebrated for their victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, the men’s Under-19 team for winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, and the women’s Under-19 team for their success in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2025.

“In this year’s ceremony, Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid will be honored with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest recognition by the BCCI for their outstanding service to Indian cricket,” stated the BCCI.

“Mithali Raj will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, acknowledging her invaluable contributions toward the advancement and international recognition of women’s cricket in India,” the statement continued.

This annual gala serves to honor exceptional performances and enduring contributions across international, domestic, and youth cricket, recognizing individuals who have significantly impacted the growth and prestige of the sport in India.

A vital member of India’s legendary 1983 World Cup-winning squad, Binny’s influence on cricket has spanned decades as a player, mentor, and administrator. Renowned for his adept seam bowling and crucial breakthroughs, he was the leading wicket-taker in the 1983 World Cup, playing a pivotal role in a landmark moment in Indian cricket history. As part of the Indian team that triumphed in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket, Binny also became the first Indian cricketer to open both bowling and batting in a single ODI.

After his playing career, Binny committed himself to advancing Indian cricket with equal distinction. As coach of the Indian Under-19 team, he guided them to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2000, paving the way for young players to launch their careers. He also served as a national selector from 2012 to 2016, significantly shaping the team's roster during a critical phase in the sport's evolution.

Recently, Binny has continued his long-standing engagement with Indian cricket through administrative roles. He served as the 36th President of the BCCI from 2022 to 2025, steering the organization through a period marked by substantial growth and enhanced global recognition for Indian cricket. Under his leadership, the BCCI intensified its commitment to excellence in the cricketing landscape. His presidency exemplifies a lifelong dedication to the sport.

Dravid will be honored for his profound influence on Indian cricket, both as one of the most skillful batsmen in the game's history and as a coach who ushered in a transformative era. His illustrious international career was characterized by a textbook batting approach, steadfast resilience, and overall mastery. He accumulated over 24,000 international runs, leading India's batting lineup across formats for over a decade and playing a crucial role in many of the team's most memorable victories as both a batter and captain.

After stepping away from playing, Dravid transitioned smoothly into a role that helped shape the future of Indian cricket. As the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), he significantly improved India’s player development systems, mentored upcoming cricketers, and contributed to establishing a robust talent pipeline for national teams. His influence was particularly pronounced when he led India’s Under-19 team to win the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2018.

His impact expanded further when he took on the role of head coach for the Indian men’s team. He carried forward the same clarity of focus and discipline that characterized his playing days. Under his guidance, India triumphed in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, showcasing resilience, preparation, and dominance on the global stage.

Mithali Raj, a revered figure in women’s cricket, will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, recognizing her remarkable efforts in promoting the women’s game globally. Over a distinguished international career spanning more than two decades, Raj set new standards of excellence through her grace, dependability, and leadership. As the leading scorer in women’s ODIs with 7805 runs at an average of 50.68, she established benchmarks that transformed the perception of women’s cricket in India and inspired many young girls to pursue the sport.

Her inspirational captaincy was equally significant, steering India to two ICC Women’s World Cup finals and establishing the team as a formidable international contender. Through her outstanding achievements and lasting influence, Raj has played a crucial role in elevating Indian women’s cricket to unprecedented heights.

The Naman Awards will also recognize exceptional performances in international, domestic, and age-group cricket throughout the 2024–25 season.

“India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will be awarded the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 2024–25 season for the second consecutive time. Smriti Mandhana will receive the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time in her career,” the board announced.

“Among domestic performers, Ira Jadhav of Mumbai will be honored with the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Domestic) following an impressive season with the bat. Shafali Verma of Haryana will be awarded the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Senior Domestic One Day) for the 2024–25 season.

“Ayush Mhatre of Mumbai will receive the Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All Rounder in Domestic Limited Overs Competitions for the 2024–25 season, while Harsh Dubey of Vidarbha will be honored with the Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All Rounder in the Ranji Trophy for the 2024–25 season.

“The Mumbai Cricket Association will again receive the award for Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments, having secured four trophies and finishing as runner-up in two during the season,” the board concluded.