BCCI to Honour Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid and Mithali Raj with Lifetime Achievement Awards at Naman Awards 2026
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to celebrate excellence across Indian cricket at the upcoming Naman Awards 2026, scheduled to take place on Sunday in the national capital. The ceremony will recognise some of the biggest contributors to the game, with Indian legends Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid and Mithali Raj set to receive prestigious lifetime achievement honours.
These awards acknowledge decades of dedication and contributions that have shaped the growth and global stature of Indian cricket.
"As this year's ceremony, Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid will be bestowed with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the BCCI's highest honour recognising outstanding service to Indian cricket," the BCCI said in a statement.
Meanwhile, former India women’s captain Mithali Raj will receive the top lifetime recognition for women’s cricket.
"Mithali Raj will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, recognising her extraordinary contribution to the growth and global stature of women's cricket in India," the statement read further.
The Naman Awards celebrate excellence across international, domestic and age-group cricket while acknowledging individuals who have played a key role in elevating the sport in the country.
The BCCI will honour:
The recognition underscores a remarkable run of success for Indian teams across formats and age groups.
He was also part of the Indian side that lifted the 1985 World Championship of Cricket and holds the distinction of being the first Indian cricketer to open both the bowling and batting in a single ODI.
After his playing career ended, Binny continued to serve Indian cricket in various roles. He coached India’s Under-19 team to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2000 and later served as a national selector from 2012 to 2016.
Most recently, Binny served as the 36th President of the BCCI from 2022 to 2025, guiding the board during a period of growth and increased global recognition for Indian cricket.
During a remarkable international career, Dravid scored over 24,000 international runs and played a crucial role in India’s batting line-up across formats for more than a decade. Known for his technical mastery and calm temperament, he became one of the most respected cricketers in the game.
After retiring, Dravid transitioned seamlessly into coaching and development roles. As Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), he helped build a strong talent pipeline for Indian cricket and mentored numerous young players.
He also led India’s Under-19 team to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2018.
Later, as head coach of the Indian men’s team, Dravid guided the side to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup title in 2024, continuing his legacy of shaping Indian cricket.
Across a career spanning more than two decades, she established herself as the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs with 7805 runs at an average of 50.68. Her consistency, leadership and longevity helped transform the perception of women’s cricket in India.
As captain, Raj led India to two ICC Women’s World Cup finals, helping establish the team as a major force on the global stage.
Her achievements and leadership have inspired countless young girls to pursue cricket.
"India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will receive the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 2024-25 season for the second time. Ms Smriti Mandhana will receive the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time in her career," the board stated.
Among other awards:
These awards acknowledge decades of dedication and contributions that have shaped the growth and global stature of Indian cricket.
Lifetime Achievement Awards for Three Indian Greats
At the ceremony, Binny and Dravid will be honoured with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the BCCI’s highest recognition for service to Indian cricket."As this year's ceremony, Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid will be bestowed with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the BCCI's highest honour recognising outstanding service to Indian cricket," the BCCI said in a statement.
Meanwhile, former India women’s captain Mithali Raj will receive the top lifetime recognition for women’s cricket.
"Mithali Raj will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women, recognising her extraordinary contribution to the growth and global stature of women's cricket in India," the statement read further.
The Naman Awards celebrate excellence across international, domestic and age-group cricket while acknowledging individuals who have played a key role in elevating the sport in the country.
Celebrating ICC Trophy-Winning Teams
A major highlight of the ceremony will be the recognition of five Indian teams that won ICC trophies, marking a historic period for Indian cricket.The BCCI will honour:
- The senior men's team for winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- The senior men's team for winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
- The senior women's team for winning the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025
- The men's Under-19 team for winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026
- The women's Under-19 team for winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2025
The recognition underscores a remarkable run of success for Indian teams across formats and age groups.
Roger Binny’s Impact on Indian Cricket
A key member of India’s iconic 1983 World Cup-winning team, Roger Binny’s contributions to cricket have spanned several decades. Known for his effective seam bowling and match-winning breakthroughs, Binny was the leading wicket-taker in that historic tournament.He was also part of the Indian side that lifted the 1985 World Championship of Cricket and holds the distinction of being the first Indian cricketer to open both the bowling and batting in a single ODI.
After his playing career ended, Binny continued to serve Indian cricket in various roles. He coached India’s Under-19 team to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2000 and later served as a national selector from 2012 to 2016.
Most recently, Binny served as the 36th President of the BCCI from 2022 to 2025, guiding the board during a period of growth and increased global recognition for Indian cricket.
Rahul Dravid’s Legacy as Player and Coach
Rahul Dravid will be honoured for his immense influence on Indian cricket both as a legendary batter and as a successful coach.During a remarkable international career, Dravid scored over 24,000 international runs and played a crucial role in India’s batting line-up across formats for more than a decade. Known for his technical mastery and calm temperament, he became one of the most respected cricketers in the game.
After retiring, Dravid transitioned seamlessly into coaching and development roles. As Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), he helped build a strong talent pipeline for Indian cricket and mentored numerous young players.
He also led India’s Under-19 team to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2018.
Later, as head coach of the Indian men’s team, Dravid guided the side to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup title in 2024, continuing his legacy of shaping Indian cricket.
Mithali Raj’s Extraordinary Contribution to Women’s Cricket
Mithali Raj remains one of the most iconic figures in women’s cricket.Across a career spanning more than two decades, she established herself as the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs with 7805 runs at an average of 50.68. Her consistency, leadership and longevity helped transform the perception of women’s cricket in India.
As captain, Raj led India to two ICC Women’s World Cup finals, helping establish the team as a major force on the global stage.
Her achievements and leadership have inspired countless young girls to pursue cricket.
Gill and Mandhana to Receive Top International Honours
Along with the lifetime awards, the Naman Awards will recognise standout performances from the 2024-25 cricket season."India's Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill will receive the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for the 2024-25 season for the second time. Ms Smriti Mandhana will receive the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the fifth time in her career," the board stated.
Among other awards:
- "Among domestic performers, Ms Ira Jadhav of Mumbai will receive the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Domestic) following a prolific season with the bat. Ms Shafali Verma of Haryana will be honoured with the Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy for Best Woman Cricketer (Senior Domestic One Day) for the 2024-25 season."
- "Ayush Mhatre of Mumbai will receive the Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All Rounder in Domestic Limited Overs Competitions for the 2024-25 season, while Vidarbha's Harsh Dubey will receive the Lala Amarnath Award for the Best All Rounder in the Ranji Trophy for the 2024-25 season."
- "The Mumbai Cricket Association will once again receive the award for Best Performance in BCCI Domestic Tournaments, having won four trophies and finished runner up in two during the season," the board added.
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