In a landmark decision, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced that the Test series trophy between England and India will now be named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This newly named trophy replaces the Pataudi Trophy, which was previously awarded to the winner of Test series played in England between the two nations. This change marks a significant shift, honoring two modern-day legends of the game: England's James Anderson and India's Sachin Tendulkar.
The decision to rename the trophy recognizes the immense contributions of both Anderson and Tendulkar to Test cricket. James Anderson, regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, recently retired from the sport after an illustrious career, having taken a record-breaking 704 wickets in 188 Test matches. Sachin Tendulkar, known as the "God of Cricket," holds the record for the most runs in Test history, with 15,921 runs in 200 matches. He is also the first player to have played 200 Test matches.
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was unveiled ahead of the upcoming five-Test series between England and India, scheduled to begin on Friday, June 20th, 2025, at Headingley. Both Anderson and Tendulkar were present at the unveiling ceremony. The trophy itself features imagery of both legends in action, along with their signatures engraved as a tribute to their remarkable achievements.
While the Pataudi Trophy will no longer be awarded, the legacy of the Pataudi family will continue to be honored. A newly commissioned Pataudi Medal will be presented to the winning captain of each England-India Test series. The Pataudi Trophy was originally named in honor of Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the only cricketer to have represented both England and India in Test matches, and his son Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who captained India.
James Anderson expressed his pride and honor at having the trophy named after him and Sachin Tendulkar. He acknowledged the special rivalry between England and India, highlighting the history, intensity, and unforgettable moments that have defined their encounters. Sachin Tendulkar echoed Anderson's sentiments, emphasizing the significance of Test cricket and its ability to reflect life's lessons.
The inaugural Pataudi Trophy series was held in England in 2007, marking 75 years since the two teams played their first Test match in 1932. India won that first series. Since 2007, there have been five Test series played in England, with England winning three, India winning one, and one series ending in a draw. England currently holds the trophy.
The introduction of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy signifies a new era in the England-India Test series, paying homage to two of the game's most iconic figures while preserving the heritage of the Pataudi family. It will be interesting to see which team will be the first to lift the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
