The five-match Test series between India and England, which starts from June 20 in Leeds, has been rechristened to Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) deciding to retire the previous name Pataudi Trophy. However, latest reports indicate that ECB is considering the retain the Pataudi legacy, after a request from Sachin Tendulkar himself.
As reported by Cricbuzz, Tendulkar has got in touch with the BCCI and ECB officials to continue honouring late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, who led India to their first overseas Test victory against New Zealand in 1967. Jay Shah, who is now the chairman of the ICC, stepped in and ensured the Pataudi name continues to remain associated with the bilateral series.
"Yes, there is a confirmed plan to retain the Pataudi link in the England-India series," Cricbuzz quoted an ECB official as saying.
The report further mentioned that the authorities will possibly name a medallion in the name of late MAK Pataudi, which, in all likelihood, will be presented to the winning captain.
Also Read | Sachin and Arjun: The difficulty of being a Tendulkar
James Anderson reflects his thoughts on the honour
Meanwhile, James Anderson earlier reflecting his thoughts on the honour, said Tendulkar is someone he looked up to when he was growing up. “It's a huge honour. I still can't quite believe it. Sachin is someone I looked up to when I was growing up, though I don't want to do him a disservice with his age," Anderson told ESPNCricinfo.
"I remember watching him, an absolute legend of the game, and I played against him a lot as well. So to have this trophy is a huge honour for me, and I couldn't be more proud."
Talking about his experience of playing against India, Anderson said, "There are some great memories, I always loved playing against India. I’d say, after the Ashes, it was the series that England look forward to the most."
“I obviously had some tough times in India, it's a really hard place to go, but we won there which was a really special moment, and some of the battles we had in England were great. They had some amazing players."
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