A new era of Test cricket begins as England and India prepare to battle in the inaugural Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy—named for two of the best players in the game, Sir James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.
The announcement also brings important changes as the new trophy will replace the Pataudi Trophy (which has been played for in England) and the Anthony De Mello Trophy (which has been played for in India), meaning that the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy will now the symbol of the historic men’s Test rivalry between England and India going forward.
The announcement was facilitated by the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Board of Control for Cricket in India to honour the legacy of two of the greatest players the game has ever and will ever see. Most fans will not need much introduction to Anderson or Tendulkar; although Anderson has now retired, he remains the leading wicket-taker in Test history for fast bowlers with 704 wickets. Sachin Tendulkar, who has played for an incredible 24 years, is also the format’s top run scorer with 15,921 runs.
The trophy includes live action images of both players along with engraved signatures. Pataudi Medal will also be introduced to honour the Pataudi family, and be given to the captain who wins each series.
Anderson called the recognition “a proud moment,” adding, “The rivalry between our two nations has always been full of history and intensity. I’m honoured to be part of it in this way.”
Tendulkar reflected on the spirit of Test cricket, saying, “It teaches you endurance, discipline and adaptability. I’m proud to share this honour with James, a great on-field rival and off-field gentleman.”
The first series for the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy begins at Headingley on 20 June. Both players have rich histories against their rivals: Anderson claimed 149 wickets in 39 Tests against India, while Tendulkar scored 2,535 runs in 32 Tests versus England.
BCCI President Roger Binny hailed the moment as a tribute to “two absolute titans of the game,” while ECB Chair Richard Thompson called the move “a celebration of their incredible careers and the deep cricketing bond between our nations.”
