. Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy: A New Era in India-England Test Cricket
In a landmark announcement for cricket enthusiasts, the Test series between India and England will now be officially known as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This replaces the previous nomenclature of the Pataudi Trophy (used for matches in England) and the Anthony de Mello Trophy (for games in India). The move was jointly agreed upon by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to honor two of the greatest cricketers in modern history — James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.
The trophy will be unveiled at the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground during the World Test Championship Final scheduled to begin on June 11, 2025. Both Anderson, England’s highest wicket-taker with 188 Tests, and Tendulkar, the master batsman who retired after playing 200 Tests, will grace the event with their presence, lending it immense historical significance.
The renaming marks a new chapter in the storied rivalry between the two cricketing nations. The Pataudi Trophy, named after the legendary father-son duo of India’s former captains Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, has been the hallmark for Tests played in England since 2007. Similarly, the Anthony de Mello Trophy — named after the founding secretary and president of the BCCI — has been contested in India. By consolidating under a unified trophy, the two cricket boards aim to bring uniformity and elevate the prestige of this bilateral series.
This change aligns with global trends, where iconic Test series trophies are named after legendary players to celebrate cricket’s rich history. For example, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy commemorates the rivalry between India and Australia, while the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy symbolizes England-New Zealand Test encounters.
The first series to be played under the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy banner will begin on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds, kicking off a new cycle of the World Test Championship. This transformation celebrates cricket’s legacy while inspiring future generations to appreciate the game’s historic moments.
