Celebrating Cricket Legends: BCCI Naman Awards 2026 Honors Binny, Dravid, and Raj
BCCI Naman Awards 2026 Ceremony
On Sunday in New Delhi, the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 celebrated the remarkable achievements of former Indian cricketers Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid, who were honored with the prestigious Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Mithali Raj was recognized with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women.
This annual event by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledges exceptional performances and significant contributions across various levels of cricket, including international, domestic, and age-group formats. The Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest accolade given to former Indian cricketers for their invaluable contributions to the sport.
Roger Binny's Legacy in Indian Cricket
Roger Binny, a pivotal player in India's 1983 World Cup triumph, made a significant mark with his seam bowling, finishing as the tournament's leading wicket-taker. He was also part of the victorious squad in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket and made history as the first Indian to open both batting and bowling in a One Day International (ODI). After his playing career, Binny continued to influence Indian cricket as the coach of the India U-19 team, leading them to victory in the 2000 ICC U-19 World Cup. He also served as a national selector from 2012 to 2016 and held the position of BCCI President from 2022 to 2025. His lifelong dedication to Indian cricket earned him the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
Rahul Dravid: A Dual Legacy
Rahul Dravid, known as 'The Wall', received the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to Indian cricket as both a legendary batsman and a prominent coach. Throughout his international career, he amassed over 24,000 runs, serving as a cornerstone of India's batting lineup for over a decade. After retiring, Dravid played a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he enhanced player development and guided the U-19 team to the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup title. As the head coach of the Indian men's team, he led India to victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, solidifying his enduring impact on the sport.
Mithali Raj: Trailblazer for Women's Cricket
Mithali Raj was awarded the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in recognition of her significant contributions to women's cricket. Over her two-decade career, she became the highest run-scorer in women's ODIs, amassing 7,805 runs, and played a vital role in promoting women's cricket in India.
As captain, she led the Indian team to two ICC Women's World Cup finals, inspiring countless young cricketers and elevating the profile of women's cricket on the global stage.