England-India Test Series to be Played for Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy

England and India will play for a newly named trophy this summer, honouring two of the greatest players in cricket history – James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.

The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy will be unveiled ahead of the five-Test series, which begins at Headingley on June 20, 2025.

It replaces the Pataudi Trophy, previously awarded during Test series between the two countries in England.

It was named after the royal Pataudi family. The late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was one of India’s most iconic captains and was the father of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan. His father also played for both England and India.

India legend Sachin Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in Test cricket.

He made 15,921 runs in 200 matches between 1989 and 2013. Now 52, he remains one of the most celebrated batters the game has produced.

Meanwhile, James Anderson is England’s all-time leading wicket-taker. With 704 wickets, the 42-year-old is also the most successful fast bowler in Test history.

The two played against each other in 14 Tests.

No bowler dismissed Tendulkar more times in his career than Anderson, who removed him on nine occasions.

Since retiring from international cricket last summer, Anderson has worked as a bowling consultant for England. He is currently back playing for Lancashire after signing a one-year extension at Old Trafford.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said the Pataudi family had been informed of the change.

Test series between the two countries in India are still played for the Anthony de Mello Trophy. It is unclear whether the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy will also replace that.

The change follows a recent tradition.

England’s last Test series in New Zealand was played for the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, named after Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe. England won that series 2–1.

Similarly, India and Australia compete for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Tests.

Other bilaterals like Australia-Sri Lanka (Warner-Murali Trophy), West Indies-Australia (Frank Worrell Trophy) and the Ashes between England and Australia are also dubbed after historic events and players involving the two nations.

England are the final holders of the Pataudi Trophy. That series, played over 2021 and 2022, ended in a 2-2 draw after a Covid scare delayed the final Test.

India are the current holders of the Anthony de Mello Trophy, after beating England 4-1 last year.