India-England Test Series Renamed Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

In a landmark move celebrating two of Test cricket’s greatest icons, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have jointly announced that the historic Test series between India and England will now be known as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The renaming honours James Anderson, England’s most prolific Test bowler, and Sachin Tendulkar, India’s legendary batsman and the most-capped Test player in history.

Why in News?

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have officially announced that the Test series between India and England will now be named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, in honour of cricketing greats James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. The trophy will be unveiled during the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s starting June 11, 2025, ahead of the five-Test series beginning June 20 at Headingley.

Objective & Significance

• To commemorate James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar, two iconic players who have immensely contributed to Test cricket.
• Promote greater historical continuity and fan engagement with the India-England Test rivalry.

Background

• Earlier series in England were called the Pataudi Trophy (named after Nawab of Pataudi Sr. and Jr.).
• In India, the series was known as the Anthony de Mello Trophy, after BCCI’s first secretary and president.
• With Anderson’s retirement in 2023 and the increasing trend of naming series after legendary players, this change was deemed timely.

About the Legends

• James Anderson: England’s all-time highest wicket-taker in Tests with 188 matches.
• Sachin Tendulkar: Most-capped Test cricketer with 200 Tests, revered globally as the “Little Master”.

Upcoming Series

• The new WTC cycle starts with India vs England series from June 20, 2025, at Headingley.
• Both Tendulkar and Anderson will jointly unveil the trophy at Lord’s before the WTC Final.

Trend in Test Cricket

Recent trend of naming Test series after iconic players,

• Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India vs Australia)
• Richards-Botham Trophy (England vs West Indies)
• Crowe-Thorpe Trophy (England vs New Zealand, since 2024)