By The Sampadak Express
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar was honored with the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI Annual Awards on Saturday, recognizing his unparalleled contribution to international cricket. Tendulkar, who played 664 international games for India, holds the record for the most runs in both Tests and ODIs. His extraordinary career, spanning 24 years, remains a benchmark in the sport, and he is the only cricketer to have featured in 200 Test matches.
Taking to Twitter, Tendulkar expressed his gratitude, saying, “Deeply honoured to receive the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. My cricketing journey was never mine alone, it belonged to my coaches, teammates, fans, and family.” He continued, “This award is a reminder to keep giving back to the sport and the people that gave me everything.”
Tendulkar, who made his debut as a 16-year-old and became the first batsman to score a double century in ODIs, urged current players to “value your game” and enjoy the moments they have on the field, advising them to stay focused and avoid distractions.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah was named the winner of the Polly Umrigar Award for Best Men’s International Cricketer of 2023-24. The 31-year-old pace bowler’s outstanding performance over the year, including his vital role in India’s home victories over England and Bangladesh, earned him the accolade. Bumrah was also instrumental in India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy win, claiming 32 wickets across five Tests.
In the women’s category, elegant batter Smriti Mandhana received the Best International Cricketer of 2023-24 award. Mandhana, who was named the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, amassed 747 runs in 2024, including four centuries, with an impressive average of 57.86 and a strike rate of 95.15. This marks her fourth time winning the award, having previously claimed it in 2017-18, 2020-21, and 2021-22.
Spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from international cricket in December 2024, was honored with a special award. Ashwin, India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 dismissals, reflected on his remarkable career and shared his excitement about continuing in the IPL. “It was a privilege to share the stage with Sachin Tendulkar,” he said.
Among the newcomers, Mumbai’s Sarfaraz Khan won the Best International Debut award in the men’s category for his blistering fifty against England in the Rajkot Test in February 2024. Asha Sobhana received the Best International Debut award in the women’s category for her stellar 4/21 performance against South Africa in June 2024, which helped India secure a 143-run win.
Mandhana was also honored with the Highest Run Getter in ODIs medal for her impressive tally of 747 runs in 2024, while Deepti Sharma received the Highest Wickets in ODIs medal for taking 24 wickets in 13 matches.
Tanush Kotian, who impressed during the 2023-24 domestic season, was awarded the Best Performance in the BCCI Domestic Tournaments trophy. The 26-year-old Mumbai batter and bowler scored 502 runs in 10 matches and took 29 wickets, earning a call-up to the India A squad and later to the national team.
The Mumbai Cricket Association was also recognized with the Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments trophy, having won the Ranji Trophy for a record-extending 42nd time, as well as the Irani Cup after 27 years. Mumbai teams also claimed several other titles, including the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy and U-19 titles, and were runners-up in the Cooch Behar U-19 and Vinoo Mankad U-19 Trophies.
Akshay Totre from Indore was named the Best Umpire in Domestic Cricket for the season.
The BCCI Annual Awards celebrated the achievements of cricketers, coaches, and officials who have contributed to Indian cricket’s legacy and growth.
