Sachin Tendulkar blocks ECB’s attempt to erase Pataudi’s legacy from England-India series

Ahead of the much-anticipated five-match Test series between India and England, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has reportedly intervened in the controversial decision made by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to rename the historic Pataudi Trophy.

According to a sensational report by Cricbuzz, Sachin Tendulkar personally intervened and convinced both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reconsider their move to rebrand the Pataudi Trophy for the England-India Test series.

Sachin Tendulkar steps in to save the Pataudi Trophy's legacy

With the Test series just days away, there was growing discontent among fans and cricket experts after the ECB proposed to rebrand the iconic trophy as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy to honor two modern greats, Sachin Tendulkar of India and James Anderson of England.

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However, the decision didn’t go down well with many despite the official announcement yet to be made, suggesting the ECB can’t ignore the legacy of the former Indian captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who also played for Sussex. However, BCCI has stressed that the decision is totally up to the ECB.

Amid the buzz, Sachin Tendulkar didn’t stay silent and reached out directly to top officials from both BCCI and ECB and expressed his strong reservations over removing a legacy tied so deeply to India’s cricketing roots. After Tendulkar’s intervention, ICC Chairman Jay Shah also forced the ECB to rethink.

Pataudi link confirmed to be retained after Sachin Tendulkar and Jay Shah's intervention

However, there is no official update on the same, but it looks likely that the Pataudi Trophy name will stay with the England-India Test series, at least in some form, thanks to Tendulkar and Shah’s intervention. The ECB officials are now likely to create a special medal in memory of the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, which will probably be given to the captain of the winning team.

An ECB official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz, “Yes, there is a confirmed plan to retain the Pataudi link in the England-India series.”

Notably, the unveiling of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ceremony was planned for Day 4 of the WTC Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa at Lord's, but it was postponed due to the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed over 275 lives.

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History of India vs England in Test Rivalry

Meanwhile, India vs England in Test cricket is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in the game. It all began in 1932 at Lord’s when India played its very first Test match. Since then, the two teams have faced off many times. For India, playing in England has always been a big challenge.

Out of 19 test series played in England, India has managed to win just three—in 1971, 1986, and 2007. England, on the other hand, has won 14, while two ended in a draw, including the thrilling 2-2 series in 2021–22. England’s swinging conditions and green pitches have often troubled Indian batters.

India faced some of their worst Test losses in England, including the 5-0 defeat in 1959 and the 4-0 loss in 2011. Over the years, the India-England rivalry has grown stronger, with each match carrying pride, history, and the hunger to prove who’s better in the longest format of the game.