Sachin Tendulkar intervenes after Pataudi Trophy rebrand, urges BCCI and ECB to reconsider: ‘Change of heart’ follows

As India and England prepare to face off in a five-match Test series starting Friday, June 20 at Headingley, the spotlight isn’t just on the cricket—it’s also on the trophy. Originally, the series was supposed to mark the beginning of a new chapter with the introduction of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, replacing the long-standing Pataudi Trophy.

The cricket legend personally reached out to both the BCCI and the ECB to urge them not to forget the legacy of the Pataudi family, according to a report by Cricbuzz. His voice clearly made an impact. Backing Tendulkar’s stance, ICC Chairman Jay Shah also played a crucial role in ensuring that the Pataudi name wouldn't be lost.

An ECB official told Cricbuzz, “Yes, there is a confirmed plan to retain the Pataudi link in the England-India series.”

While the series will now be officially played for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, a special medallion in honour of the late MAK Pataudi is expected to be introduced. It will likely be awarded to the winning captain—keeping the spirit of the original trophy alive.

Launch Put on Hold After National Tragedy

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was originally set to be unveiled during Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s. But in light of the heartbreaking Ahmedabad plane crash, which took 241 lives, the launch was respectfully postponed by both the BCCI and ECB.

Celebrating Cricket’s Greats

The new trophy honours two modern-day giants: James Anderson, England’s pace legend who retired in July 2024 after taking a record 704 wickets in 188 Tests, and Sachin Tendulkar, India’s beloved “Master Blaster” and the all-time leading Test run-scorer with 15,921 runs.

Still, many fans and experts were left wondering: why replace the Pataudi Trophy in the first place?

After all, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi wasn’t just a legendary Indian captain, he was the youngest ever to lead India at just 21. His father, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, played for both India and England, making the name a symbol of deep cricketing heritage and cross-nation legacy. The Pataudi Trophy was first introduced in 2007 for Test series played in England.

The decision to blend both the past and present, with a nod to Tendulkar and Anderson, while still honouring the Pataudis, seems like a fitting compromise. It respects history, celebrates greatness, and hopefully, sets the stage for a thrilling series ahead.