IND vs ENG: There were some sharp reactions to the renaming of the England vs India Test series from Pataudi Trophy to Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy.
The winning captain of the five-Test series between India and England starting on 20 June 2025 will be awarded the Pataudi Medal. This initiative will keep the name of the Pataudi family alive in the India-England cricket rivalry. This royal family has had a deep connection with the cricket history of both countries, and this new honour will further strengthen their legacy.
Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy controversy
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had earlier decided to rename the Pataudi Trophy as the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. Its formal announcement was to be made during the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s last week, but it was postponed due to the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The name change was criticized by many cricket personalities including former India captain Sunil Gavaskar.
Initiative of Sachin and Jai Shah
Sachin Tendulkar himself approached the ECB and requested that the name Pataudi be kept as a part of the India-England cricket rivalry. ICC chairman Jai Shah was also involved in this discussion. A BCCI source said, “When the ECB decided to rename the trophy, Tendulkar told them that the name Pataudi should remain a part of this historic rivalry. Jai Shah also supported the issue. The ECB accepted this request and decided to give the Pataudi medal to the winning captain.”
Formal announcement awaited
Since the earlier scheduled event got cancelled, the formal announcement of the trophy’s name change and the Pataudi medal will now take place on June 19, a day before the first Test of the series in Leeds. Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer in Test cricket, while James Anderson is the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket.
Cricket legacy of the Pataudi family
The Pataudi family has had a deep connection with cricket in India and England. Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, both captained India and made a mark in county cricket in England for a long time. Their cricket legacy will be honoured through this medal. Do you think this move will further enrich the history of India-England cricket?
FAQ
What is the controversy about the IND vs ENG trophy?
The controversy revolves around the naming of the trophy used in the India vs England Test series, which sparked debate among fans and former players.
What decision did the ECB take regarding the trophy?
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided to either rename the trophy or make changes to its presentation following the backlash.
Why did the trophy name cause an issue?
Many believed the original or proposed name did not fairly represent the historical cricket rivalry or contributions of both nations.
Will the new name reflect both Indian and English cricket legends?
Yes, reports suggest the new name may include references to iconic players from both India and England to honor both cricketing cultures.
When will the updated IND vs ENG series begin?
The new series is set to start soon, with exact dates released by both the BCCI and ECB.
Has this kind of controversy happened before?
Yes, similar debates have occurred in the past regarding series names and trophies in international cricket.
How are fans reacting to the ECB’s decision?
Many fans have welcomed the move, appreciating that the boards are listening to public sentiment and cricketing legacy.
