Celebrating Cricket Legends: Binny, Dravid, and Raj Honored at BCCI Naman Awards 2026

BCCI Naman Awards 2026 Recognizes Cricket Icons

On March 15, 2026, the BCCI Naman Awards ceremony took place in New Delhi, where former Indian cricket stars Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid were honored with the prestigious Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Mithali Raj was awarded the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women.

This annual event celebrates remarkable achievements and significant contributions to cricket at all levels, from international to domestic and age-group competitions. The Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest accolade given by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to recognize former players for their exceptional service to the sport.

Roger Binny, a vital 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.

Post-retirement, Binny continued to influence Indian cricket as the coach of the U-19 team, leading them to the 2000 ICC U-19 World Cup victory. He also served as a national selector from 2012 to 2016 and held the position of BCCI President from 2022 to 2025, earning the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong dedication to the sport.

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Rahul Dravid was also honored with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions as a legendary batsman and a significant coach. Throughout his international career, he amassed over 24,000 runs and played a crucial role in numerous historic victories as both a player and captain.

After hanging up his boots, Dravid focused on nurturing future talent 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 legacy in cricket.

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Mithali Raj was recognized with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, acknowledging her significant impact on women's cricket. Over her two-decade career, she became the highest run-scorer in women's ODIs, amassing 7,805 runs and playing a pivotal role in promoting women's cricket in India.

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As captain, Mithali led India to two ICC Women’s World Cup finals, inspiring countless young cricketers and elevating the profile of Indian women's cricket on the global stage.