In a landmark decision, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have jointly announced that the Test series between India and England will now be contested for the ‘Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy’. This move marks a significant evolution in the historic rivalry between the two cricketing nations, which dates back 93 years.
The Retirement of the Pataudi Trophy
For years, the Test series played in England between India and England was known as the Pataudi Trophy, named in honour of the legendary Pataudi family, including Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, both of whom captained India. The ECB had been considering discontinuing the Pataudi Trophy, with reports indicating a formal decision to retire it earlier this year. This decision had drawn mixed reactions, including criticism from former Indian cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar.
A New Era: The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy
The newly introduced Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy will replace the Pataudi Trophy for series played in England, and will also replace the Anthony de Mello Trophy, which was contested in India. This unified approach aims to create a consistent identity for one of cricket’s most anticipated bilateral series.
Honoring Two Modern-Day Icons
The naming of the trophy after Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson is a fitting tribute to two of the greatest cricketers of the modern era.
- Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the ‘Master Blaster’, holds the record for the most Test appearances (200) and the highest run-scorer in Test history with 15,921 runs, including 51 centuries. His illustrious career spanned from 1989 to 2013, captivating a generation of cricket fans worldwide.
- James Anderson, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, is England’s most prolific Test bowler and the leading fast bowler in Test history, with 704 wickets. His longevity, skill, and consistency over 188 Tests have made him a true legend of the game.
The two faced each other in 14 Tests, with Anderson dismissing Tendulkar nine times, more than any other bowler.
Unveiling and Upcoming Series
The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy is set to be officially unveiled by both Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson themselves. This grand ceremony will take place during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 11, 2025.
The inaugural series under the new ‘Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy’ banner will begin on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, as Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes lead their respective teams. The five-match series will also see matches played in Edgbaston, Lord’s, Manchester, and The Oval.
