The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to celebrate the pinnacle of excellence in Indian cricket at the prestigious Naman Awards 2026, scheduled for Sunday, March 15, in New Delhi. This annual ceremony recognises exceptional performances across international, domestic, and age-group cricket for the 2024–25 season, while also honouring individuals whose contributions have significantly shaped the game in India over the decades.

This year, the BCCI will present the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award to cricketing stalwarts Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid, acknowledging their outstanding service to Indian cricket. Additionally, Mithali Raj will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, recognising her extraordinary contributions to the growth and global stature of women’s cricket in India.

Roger Binny, a distinguished member of India’s historic 1983 World Cup-winning team, has had a profound impact on the sport over the decades. Renowned for his seam bowling, Binny was the highest wicket-taker in the 1983 World Cup, playing a crucial role in a defining moment for Indian cricket. His illustrious career continued as he transitioned into coaching, leading India’s Under-19 team to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2000. As a national selector and later the 36th President of the BCCI from 2022 to 2025, Binny’s leadership has been instrumental in the growth and prominence of Indian cricket.

Rahul Dravid, celebrated as one of the finest batters in cricket history, will also be honoured with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Dravid’s international career saw him accumulate over 24,000 runs, anchoring India’s batting line-up across formats. Following his retirement, Dravid seamlessly transitioned into coaching, significantly impacting player development as Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and later as Head Coach of the Indian men’s team. Under his guidance, India clinched the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, reflecting his commitment to excellence.

Mithali Raj, a trailblazer in women’s cricket, will be recognised for her remarkable contributions with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women. With 7,805 runs in women’s ODIs, Raj has redefined the standards of excellence in the women’s game. Her inspirational captaincy led India to two ICC Women’s World Cup finals, elevating the profile of women’s cricket and inspiring countless young girls to pursue the sport.

In addition, the Naman Awards will honour outstanding performances from the 2024–25 season. Shubman Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain, will receive the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the second consecutive year, while Smriti Mandhana, India’s Women Test and ODI Vice-captain, will be celebrated as Best International Cricketer (Women) for the fifth time.

Domestic cricket will also be recognised, with Ira Jadhav of Mumbai receiving the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Domestic) and Shafali Verma of Haryana honoured for her performance in the Senior Domestic One Day category. Mumbai’s rising talent Ayush Mhatre and Vidarbha’s Harsh Dubey will be awarded the Lala Amarnath Award for Best All-Rounder in Domestic Limited Overs and Ranji Trophy competitions, respectively.

A significant highlight of the Naman Awards 2026 will be the recognition of all five ICC trophy-winning Indian teams, marking a historic first for Indian cricket. The BCCI will honour the senior men’s team for their victories in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, along with the senior women’s team for their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 win, and both the men’s and women’s Under-19 teams for their respective World Cup triumphs.

The Naman Awards continue to celebrate the rich legacy of Indian cricket while recognising the performances and contributions that shape its future. This year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable occasion, honouring the legends of the game and inspiring the next generation of cricketers.