Anderson-Tendulkar trophy launch event scrapped ahead of England-India series due to massive reason

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was officially set to rename the England vs India Test series on Saturday, June 14, at Lord’s, but the much-anticipated launch of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has now been reportedly postponed at the last minute.

Earlier this year, the ECB decided to replace the Pataudi Trophy for the England vs India Test series with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to honor modern-era legends James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar at a special event on June 14 at Lord’s, during the ongoing WTC Final 2025.

ECB and BCCI called off the launch of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy after the Ahmedabad plane crash tragedy

But now both the ECB and BCCI have decided to cancel the launch of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in the wake of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. With India mourning the loss from the crash, both cricket boards agreed that it wasn’t the right time for a celebration.

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A top ECB official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz, "Given the tragic events in India, the announcement may wait a while out of respect [for the lives lost]. Both the BCCI and ECB officials are deciding on a flexible new date. The BCCI is still deciding on the right time for the announcement. The announcement had been kept flexible due to the tragedy.”

53 British citizens killed in Air India crash

In a heartbreaking incident near Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday, June 12, an Air India flight (AI-171) crashed, leading to the tragic loss of more than 275 lives, including 241 passengers on board, among whom 53 were UK nationals. Apart from them, many people lost their lives in the incident.

Following this tragedy, the England and Indian cricket boards have mutually decided to postpone the official launch of the newly renamed trophy for the England vs India Test series. It is being said that the invites to both Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson were already sent.

However, in the wake of the devastating crash and the sorrow it has brought across the nation, they made the decision to call off the ceremony for now. Further updates on the event have not been revealed by the ECB, but it is expected to be held before the start of the first Test in Leeds on June 20.

Read Also: ECB ordered by BCCI to honour Pataudi after scrapping the name from England-India series

Pataudi Trophy's legacy saved after BCCI intervention

Meanwhile, the Pataudi Trophy is not going anywhere after BCCI’s intervention. The England and Wales Cricket Board had earlier decided to drop the Pataudi Trophy for the England vs India Test series and replace it with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, but there is a twist now.

After a request from BCCI, and with the help of ICC Chairman Jay Shah and Sachin Tendulkar himself, the ECB has reportedly agreed to keep the Pataudi name alive. Both Jay Shah and Tendulkar strongly felt that the legacy of the great Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi should continue in the series.

Now, the plan is to include a special medal named after Pataudi, which will be given to the winning captain of the Test series. So, the renaming of the trophy is confirmed, but the memory of the Pataudi legacy will remain an important part of the England vs India Test rivalry.