The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy is the new name for the Test series played between India and England, starting with the five-match series in June 2025. This renaming honors two of the sport’s greatest icons: Sachin Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in Test history, and James Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker and the most successful pace bowler in Test cricket.
Key Details
- Announcement & Unveiling: The decision was made jointly by the BCCI and ECB and will see the trophy officially unveiled at Lord’s on June 11, 2025, just before the World Test Championship final, with both Tendulkar and Anderson present.
- First Series: The inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series begins June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds.
- Background: Previously, the series in England was contested for the Pataudi Trophy (since 2007), while in India it was called the Anthony de Mello Trophy. The new name brings consistency, with both home and away series now played for the same trophy.
- Legacy: The move mirrors similar traditions, such as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India vs Australia) and the recently introduced Crowe-Thorpe Trophy (England vs New Zealand).
- On-field Rivalry: Tendulkar and Anderson faced each other in 14 Tests, with Anderson dismissing Tendulkar nine times—the most by any bowler against the Indian legend.
Significance
The renaming reflects the immense impact of both players on Test cricket:
- Sachin Tendulkar: 15,921 runs in 200 Tests (1989–2013), the most in history.
- James Anderson: 704 wickets in 188 Tests, the most by a pace bowler, retired in 2024 but still active in county cricket and as England’s bowling consultant.
The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy stands as a symbol of excellence and shared cricketing heritage, unifying the historic rivalry under one prestigious banner for future generations.
