The stage is set for a historic test series between India and England, kicking off on June 20, 2025. This five-match showdown will be more than just a battle for wins and losses – it’ll witness a landmark change in the cricket world. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have decided to rename the coveted trophy awarded to the winner.
The new trophy will be named after two cricket legends: Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the “God of Cricket,” and James Anderson, England’s veteran pace bowler. This move marks a new era for the test series, previously known as the Pataudi Trophy.
The Pataudi Trophy has a rich history, dating back to 2007. It was named after the illustrious Pataudi family, whose member Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi holds a unique place in cricket history. He’s the only player to have represented both India and England in test cricket.
Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, also known as the Nawab of Pataudi Senior, played three test matches for England between 1932 and 1934, scoring 144 runs. Later, in 1946, he represented India in three tests against England, scoring 55 runs. He also captained the Indian team in that series, which ended in two losses and a draw for India.
His son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, was also a celebrated Indian cricketer and one of the country’s most successful captains. He led the team in the 1960s and 1970s, giving Indian cricket a new identity. This legacy led to the test series between India and England being named the Pataudi Trophy in 2007.
Here are some key facts about the Pataudi Trophy:
- Five test series have been played under the Pataudi Trophy so far.
- England has won the trophy three times.
- India won it once, in 2007, and one series ended in a draw.
- The trophy’s design was created by Jocelyn Burton and was showcased in London in 2012.
- To permanently retain the trophy, a team had to win the series. If the series was drawn, the previous winner kept the trophy.
The newly named Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy will be awarded to the winner of the upcoming test series, marking a new chapter in the rivalry between India and England.