The Indian cricket community came together on February 1, 2025, at the annual BCCI Awards ceremony held in Mumbai, celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of its stars. At this year’s event, legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar was honored with the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to cricket throughout his illustrious career. His impact has transcended the sport itself, making him not just a player but also a beacon of inspiration for generations of cricketers.
Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket after more than two decades, holds the remarkable records for the highest number of runs scored in both Test and One-Day International formats. "Always value your game and take care of your game," he advised younger players during the ceremony. His heartfelt words echoed his lifelong dedication to cricket, encouraging current players to cherish the moment and stay focused on their craft, free from distractions.
The spotlight was also on Jasprit Bumrah, who received the Polly Umrigar Award for Best Men's International Cricketer for the 2023-24 season. Bumrah, hailed as India's premier fast bowler, delivered exceptional performances, playing a decisive role in the team’s home victories over England and Bangladesh. His sheer skill, characterized by precision and consistency, made him the standout player of the past year.
Notably, Bumrah's efforts during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he was named Player of the Series for his incredible haul of 32 wickets across five Tests, were particularly impressive. "It was exhilarating to play my part in our victories and support my team," Bumrah noted during the celebration. His accolades this season also included being named the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year.
The women's category saw another exceptional cricketer, Smriti Mandhana, receiving the Best International Cricketer award. Mandhana’s performances throughout the calendar year earned her the recognition, as she amassed 747 runs, including four centuries, with astonishing consistency. She maintained an average of 57.46, reflecting her integral role in India’s women’s cricket success.
Additional honors were awarded to other influential figures in the cricketing scene. Outgoing player Ravichandran Ashwin received a special award following his retirement from international cricket, where he concluded his career as India’s second-highest wicket-taker with 537 dismissals. To this day, he retains the impressive record for contributing massively to India's dominance over the last decade, winning 18 Test series at home during his tenure.
Beyond the established stars, new talent was also recognized at the awards. Sarfaraz Khan secured the Best International Debut award for his quick-fire fifty against England during the Rajkot Test, marking him as one to watch. Meanwhile, among the women, Asha Sobhana was acknowledged for her impressive debut, taking 4 wickets for 21 runs against South Africa.
The Mumbai Cricket Association was awarded the Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments Trophy, celebrating its remarkable achievement of winning the Ranji Trophy for the 42nd time, alongside various other titles across other formats. This dominance underlines the strong cricketing culture and depth of talent present within the region.
Akshay Totre was recognized as the Best Umpire this season, highlighting the importance of officiation standards within the domestic leagues.
Throughout the evening, the spirit of camaraderie and respect for the game was palpable. The BCCI’s Naman Awards not only honor individual brilliance on the field but also reinforce the collective identity of Indian cricket as they look to the future with hope and vigor.
With legends like Tendulkar paving the way and current stars like Bumrah and Mandhana blazing trails of their own, Indian cricket is poised to maintain its youthful resilience and sportsmanship for many years to come.