The 2025 BCCI Naman Awards celebrated the remarkable achievements of Indian cricket on February 1st, held at a grand ceremony in Mumbai. This annual event, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), recognizes the stellar performances of both domestic and international players, cementing its importance within the sporting calendar.
This year, the spotlight was firmly on legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who was conferred with the prestigious Col C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Tendulkar, revered as one of the greatest to play the game, was honored for his illustrious 24-year international career, where he not only set numerous records but also embodied the hopes and aspirations of a cricket-loving nation. "Deeply honoured to receive the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. My cricketing career, which spanned 24 years, was never mine alone..." he expressed during the ceremony. With 100 international centuries and serving as the only cricketer to play 200 Tests, Tendulkar’s influence extends beyond statistics; he transformed Indian cricket, elevATING it onto the global stage.
Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of Jasprit Bumrah, who walked away with the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the third consecutive time. His performance throughout the year was nothing short of exceptional, wherein he emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 71 dismissals across 13 Tests. Bumrah's pivotal role during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, where he was named the Player of the Tournament with 15 wickets at an astonishing average of 8.26, secured his place among the elite of the game. "I was selected as the ICC Test and overall Cricketer of the Year," Bumrah remarked, echoing his sentiments on receiving the accolade.
Smriti Mandhana, the vice-captain of the Indian women's cricket team, was awarded Best International Cricketer (Women) for her extraordinary consistency and leadership, making this her fourth time receiving the honor. Mandhana finished the year with 747 runs and four ODI centuries, demonstrating her prowess both at the domestic and international levels. "Mandhana finished as the highest run-scorer..." reflects her remarkable impact throughout 2024, solidifying her status as one of the top players globally.
Ravichandran Ashwin, another stalwart of Indian cricket, received a special award recognizing his contributions prior to his retirement at the end of 2024. "It was a privilege to share the stage with Sachin Tendulkar..." Ashwin said, sharing his thoughts on this momentous occasion and the legacy he leaves behind, with 537 Test wickets to his name. This tribute underlines the deep respect he commands within the cricketing fraternity.
The ceremony also celebrated the Mumbai Cricket Association, which received the award for Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments, having extended its legacy by claiming the Ranji Trophy for the 42nd time. This achievement symbolizes Mumbai's historical dominance and commitment to cricket excellence.
Alongside these prominent figures, the awards revealed various talented players from junior and senior domestic cricket who were also honored for their outstanding contributions. Ishwari Awasare was recognized as the Best Woman Cricketer (Jr Domestic), and Priya Mishra took home the award for Best Woman Cricketer (Sr Domestic) among others. The comprehensive recognition highlights the vibrant talent across levels of Indian cricket.
The BCCI Naman Awards 2025 have set the stage for aspiring cricketers and reaffirmed the importance of excellence, resilience, and commitment within the sport. This ceremony not only marked the recognition of outstanding achievements but also reignited hope and inspiration for the future of Indian cricket.