In a grand ceremony held in Mumbai on February 1, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honored outstanding contributions to Indian cricket during the 2023/24 season. The event was marked by the conferral of the prestigious Colonel C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award upon cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. This accolade recognizes Tendulkar's unparalleled impact on the sport, adding him to an esteemed list of 31 recipients who have significantly shaped Indian cricket.
Reflecting on his journey, Tendulkar expressed gratitude towards the BCCI for their unwavering support throughout his career. He emphasized the importance of dedication and focus for emerging cricketers, advising them to cherish their time on the field and remain undistracted by external factors.
The ceremony also celebrated current cricketing excellence. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was honored with the Polly Umrigar Award for the Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 2023/24 season. Bumrah's stellar performances were instrumental in India's triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament after claiming 15 wickets.
In the women's category, batting maestro Smriti Mandhana was recognized as the Best International Cricketer. Mandhana amassed 747 runs in 2024, the highest by any female cricketer that year, including four centuries and three half-centuries in One Day Internationals.
Additionally, Ravichandran Ashwin received a special award acknowledging his illustrious international career. Ashwin, who retired from all formats at the end of 2024, has been celebrated as one of India's greatest match-winners, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional performances.
The event was graced by numerous luminaries from the cricketing world, including Sunil Gavaskar, Rohit Sharma, and coach Gautam Gambhir, underscoring the significance of the occasion in celebrating the achievements and contributions to Indian cricket.