New Delhi: The ongoing tradition of naming cricket series after legendary players came under the spotlight this week when news broke that the historic Pataudi Trophy, contested between India and England in Test cricket, would be rebranded as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. While many might have welcomed having their name on such a prestigious title, Sachin Tendulkar—true to his stature—chose to rise above personal glory to protect the legacy of a cricketing great.
The legendary batsman reportedly held discussions with senior officials of both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), urging them to retain the Pataudi name in some form. The ECB had earlier indicated plans to retire the Pataudi Trophy altogether, which sparked criticism and disappointment among fans and historians alike.
Tendulkar Champions Pataudi Heritage
Tendulkar’s intervention has now led to a significant compromise. According to an ECB official quoted by Cricbuzz, the name of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi will continue to be associated with the series. The winning captain of the India-England Test series will now be awarded a special Pataudi Medal, preserving the name’s association with one of cricket’s most iconic bilateral rivalries.
The Pataudi Trophy, instituted in 2007, honours both Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who played for both England and India, and his son, the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, a revered figure in Indian cricket and a former national captain.
ECB Had Informed Pataudi Family of Retirement Decision
In March, the ECB had formally written to the Pataudi family expressing its intent to retire the trophy, prompting backlash across cricketing circles. Fans feared the erasure of a deeply symbolic element of India-England cricket history.
Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy: New But Not Replacing the Old
Despite the introduction of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, named after James Anderson—England’s highest Test wicket-taker with 704 wickets—and Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run-getter in Test cricket with 15,921 runs, the Pataudi name will now remain an integral part of the series.
Anderson, who retired from international cricket last year at age 42, currently serves as a bowling consultant with the ECB and plays county cricket for Lancashire. Tendulkar, who played 200 Tests between 1989 and 2013, continues to be an influential figure in world cricket.
Interestingly, Anderson and Tendulkar faced off in 14 Test matches, with Anderson famously dismissing the Indian maestro nine times—more than any other bowler.
England Currently Holds the Trophy
England are the current holders of the Pataudi Trophy. The last India-England Test series, stretched over 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19 disruptions, ended in a 2-2 draw, allowing England to retain the title.
A Balanced Resolution
The move to introduce the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy while preserving the Pataudi legacy through a dedicated medal strikes a balance between honouring modern greats and respecting cricket’s rich historical tapestry. With Sachin Tendulkar at the heart of this decision, cricket has once again shown its ability to unite generations—past, present, and future.
