Hyderabad: The BCCI is set to honor former Indian cricketers Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid, and Mithali Raj with Lifetime Achievement Awards during its annual event, Naman 2026. This celebration will take place on March 15, 2026, in New Delhi, according to BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.
The Naman Awards recognize excellence in cricket across all levels, from international to grassroots, highlighting those who have significantly contributed to the sport’s growth in India.
Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid will receive the prestigious Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for their remarkable services to Indian cricket. Mithali Raj will be honored with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, celebrating her role in elevating women’s cricket on the world stage.
Binny is a key member of India’s historic 1983 World Cup-winning team. He not only excelled as a bowler, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker but also played a vital role in the 1985 World Championship. After retiring, he became a coach for the Under-19 team, leading them to victory in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2000. His impact continued as a national selector and later as BCCI President from 2022 to 2025, guiding the organization during a transformative phase.
Rahul Dravid, known for his exceptional batting technique, has over 24,000 international runs and has anchored India’s batting for over a decade. His transition from player to coach has been seamless, evidenced by his success with the Under-19 team in the 2018 World Cup and his current role as head coach of the senior men’s team, where he helped India win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024.
Mithali Raj redefined excellence in women’s cricket with her remarkable career, accumulating 7,805 runs in ODIs at an impressive average of 50.68. Under her leadership, India reached two ICC Women’s World Cup finals, inspiring many young girls to take up the sport. Her achievements have been pivotal in changing the perception of women’s cricket in India.
The Naman Awards will also spotlight the standout performances from the 2024-25 season. Shubman Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain, will again receive the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men). Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana will be honored with the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time. Domestic performances will also be acknowledged, with various players honored for their contributions to cricket at the local level.
A significant highlight of the Naman Awards 2026 will be the recognition of all five ICC trophy-winning Indian teams, marking a historic moment for Indian cricket. This includes honors for the senior men’s team for their recent ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup victories, as well as similar accolades for the corresponding women’s teams and the Under-19 squads. This collective recognition of success emphasizes a remarkable period in Indian cricket history.
As cricket continues to evolve, the contributions of these legends will inspire future generations, solidifying their legacy in the sport.
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BCCI TO HONOUR INDIAN CRICKETERS, BCCI AWARDS, BCCI HONOUR RAHUL DRAVID, BCCI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, BCCI NAMAN AWARDS, ROGER BINNY, RAHUL DRAVID AND MITHALI RAJ TO BE GIVEN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
