Introduction
The Indian cricketing fraternity is set to gather in New Delhi on March 15, 2026, for the annual BCCI Naman Awards. This year's ceremony holds special significance as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to celebrate a golden era of Indian cricket. The event will not only honour individual brilliance from the 2024-25 domestic and international seasons but will also celebrate India’s unprecedented success in capturing five major ICC trophies across various formats and age groups.
Lifetime Achievement Honours for Dravid and Binny
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award to two of the most influential figures in the sport: Rahul Dravid and Roger Binny.
Rahul Dravid, often referred to as "The Wall," is being recognized for his monumental contribution to Indian cricket. Beyond his 24,000 international runs, Dravid’s legacy was further cemented during his tenure as Head Coach, where he masterminded India’s victory in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Joining him is Roger Binny, a hero of the 1983 World Cup and the former BCCI President. Binny’s transition from a premier all-rounder to a respected administrator has left an indelible mark on the game’s infrastructure in India.
In the women's category, Mithali Raj will receive the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women. As the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs, her leadership and consistency over two decades paved the way for the current professionalization of women’s cricket in the country.
Stars of the 2024-25 Season
The awards for current international performances see Shubman Gill taking home the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men). Gill’s dominance across formats has made him the cornerstone of India’s batting lineup. On the women’s side, Smriti Mandhana continues her record-breaking run, securing the Best International Cricketer (Women) title for the fifth time in her career.
The ceremony will also debut new talent, with Harshit Rana and N. Sree Charani set to receive the awards for Best International Debut in the men's and women's categories, respectively.
Domestic and Age-Group Excellence
The BCCI continues its tradition of rewarding the backbone of Indian cricket: the domestic circuit. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has been named the best performing state association after a dominant season.
In the Ranji Trophy, Vidarbha's Harsh Dubey and Y.V. Rathod have been recognized for their exceptional performances with the ball and bat. Meanwhile, young sensation Shafali Verma will be honoured for her domestic exploits with Haryana.
Full Winners List: BCCI Naman Awards 2026
The BCCI Naman Awards 2026 serves as a comprehensive celebration of Indian cricket, spanning from veteran legends to the brightest emerging talents. The ceremony is headlined by the prestigious Lifetime Achievement awards and top honours for international consistency.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
The most significant recognitions of the evening are the Lifetime Achievement honours, which celebrate individuals who have dedicated decades to the sport.
- Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: This prestigious honour is being shared by two icons of the game, Rahul Dravid and Roger Binny. Rahul Dravid is recognized for his legendary career as a batter and his successful stint as the Head Coach of the Indian team. Roger Binny is celebrated for his role in the 1983 World Cup victory and his continued service as an administrator.
- BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women: Mithali Raj, the highest run-scorer in the history of women’s international cricket, receives this award for her transformative impact on the women’s game in India.
International Cricket Categories
The international awards focus on the standout performers from the 2024-25 season.
- Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men): Shubman Gill has been named the recipient of this award following a prolific season where he established himself as a mainstay across all formats.Best International Cricketer (Women): Smriti Mandhana earns this distinction for the fifth time, reflecting her status as one of the world’s premier opening batters.
Best International Debut (Men): Harshit Rana is recognized for his impactful entry into the international arena.
- Best International Debut (Women): N. Sree Charani is honoured for her breakthrough performances on the world stage.
Domestic and Ranji Trophy Honours
The awards also shine a light on the domestic circuit, which remains the backbone of Indian cricket.
- Madhavrao Scindia Award (Ranji Trophy): Harsh Dubey of Vidarbha is the recipient for being the highest wicket-taker in the Elite Group, while his teammate Y.V. Rathod is recognized as the highest run-getter in the same category.
- Lala Amarnath Award (Best All-Rounder): Ayush Mhatre of Mumbai is named the best all-rounder in domestic limited-overs competitions, while Harsh Dubey takes the honour for his all-round excellence in the Ranji Trophy.
- Jagmohan Dalmiya Trophy: Shafali Verma of Haryana is recognized as the best woman cricketer in the senior domestic one-day category.
State Association Excellence
The Mumbai Cricket Association has been awarded the trophy for the best performance in BCCI domestic tournaments for the 2024-25 season, acknowledging their dominance across various age groups and formats.
Conclusion
The Naman Awards 2026 serve as a bridge between the legendary past and the promising future of Indian cricket. By felicitating five ICC trophy-winning teams alongside individual achievers, the BCCI reinforces India's status as a global powerhouse in the sport.
