BCCI Naman Awards 2026: Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid, and Mithali Raj Receive Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Honors
In a grand ceremony held in New Delhi on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) celebrated the exceptional contributions of three legendary cricketers at the BCCI Naman Awards. Former Indian cricketers Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid were honored with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, while Mithali Raj was bestowed with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women. This annual event recognizes outstanding performances and enduring impacts across international, domestic, and age-group cricket, highlighting individuals who have significantly shaped the growth and stature of the sport in India.
Roger Binny: A Stalwart of Indian Cricket
Roger Binny, a key member of India's historic 1983 World Cup-winning team, was recognized for his supreme contributions to the game. As a seam bowler, he made a major impact by finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the 1983 tournament and was also part of the squad that won the 1985 World Championship of Cricket. Notably, Binny became the first Indian to open both the batting and bowling in the same One Day International (ODI).
After retiring from playing, Binny continued to serve Indian cricket in various capacities. He coached the India U-19 team, guiding them to victory in the 2000 ICC U-19 World Cup, and later served as a national selector from 2012 to 2016. His administrative prowess was further demonstrated when he held the prestigious role of the 36th BCCI President from 2022 to 2025. The Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the BCCI to former Indian cricketers, is a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication and service to the sport.
Rahul Dravid: From Legendary Batter to Influential Coach
Rahul Dravid, another iconic figure in Indian cricket, received the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions both as a player and a coach. During his illustrious international career, Dravid scored over 24,000 runs, anchoring India's batting line-up for more than a decade and playing pivotal roles in numerous historic victories as a player and captain.
Post-retirement, Dravid has been instrumental in shaping the future of Indian cricket. His work at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) strengthened player development, and he guided India's U-19 team to the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup title. As head coach of the Indian men's team, he led India to victory in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, further cementing his lasting impact on the game. This award acknowledges his dual legacy as a legendary batter and an influential mentor.
Mithali Raj: Pioneering Women's Cricket in India
Mithali Raj was honored with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, celebrating her outstanding contributions to women's cricket. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she became the highest run-scorer in women's ODIs with 7,805 runs, playing a key role in elevating the profile of women's cricket in India.
As captain, Mithali led India to two ICC Women's World Cup finals, inspiring a generation of cricketers and helping to establish Indian women's cricket on the global stage. Her leadership and performances have been crucial in raising the stature of the women's game, making this award a well-deserved recognition of her enduring legacy.
The BCCI Naman Awards 2026 not only honored these three luminaries but also underscored the board's commitment to celebrating excellence across all facets of cricket. By recognizing such contributions, the BCCI continues to inspire future generations and uphold the rich heritage of Indian cricket.
