In a major move, the Test series between India and England will now be played for the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, replacing the historic Pataudi Trophy. The announcement comes ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series between the two nations, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
New Silverware to Be Unveiled at WTC Final
According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson will unveil the new trophy on June 11, during the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
This change also aligns with the beginning of a new WTC cycle for both India and England.
From Pataudi Trophy to a Modern Tribute
The Pataudi Trophy, introduced in 2007, honored Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, both former India captains. In India, the series was known as the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after one of the BCCI’s founding figures.
With Anderson being England’s highest Test wicket-taker (704 wickets) and Tendulkar holding the record for most Test runs (15,921), the new trophy symbolizes the modern legends of the game.
Sunil Gavaskar Opposes the Renaming
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar strongly criticized the decision to replace the Pataudi Trophy. He called it “a total lack of sensitivity” to the legacy of the Pataudi family and urged current players to decline any requests to associate their names with trophies in the future.
In a column for Sportstar, Gavaskar wrote:
“There may well be a new trophy named after more recent players… but I hope any Indian cricketer approached will have the good sense to decline.”
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