Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy

Why Was the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy Launch Postponed?

Published - Jun, 15 2025, 04:43 AM

4 min

The five-match Test series between England and India is set to start on June 21. Recently, the boards decided to name the series as the Tendulkar-Anderson trophy to pay their respect to the legacy of former India master Sachin Tendulkar and former English bowler James Anderson. The players have been legendary in the sport and have many accolades to their name. Up until now, the trophy was named according to the nations in which they were played.

For instance, in England, the Pataudi Trophy is named after former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. Similarly, in India, the series was named the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after a founding figure of Indian cricket administration. Interestingly, the England cricket board was set to unveil the Anderson trophy on day four of the World Test Championship between Australia and South Africa. However, due to the recent tragedy that happened in Ahmedabad, the trophy reveal was postponed.

As per reports by Cricbuzz, the ECB made a conscious decision to postpone the trophy ceremony in the week of the plane crash that happened in Ahmedabad on June 12.

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.

said an ECB official on Saturday, as quoted by Cricbuzz. In the plane crash, at least 270 bodies have been recovered from the site of the plane crash. It was a terrible tragedy that happened on the morning of June 12.

Shubman Gill to lead India in England tour

Indian cricket has undergone a crucial change in its squad, particularly in the Test format. After Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement a few months back from the longest format of the game, the Test squad has become younger but inexperienced. BCCI appointed Shubman Gill as the new Test skipper, replacing Rohit. However, his batting position in the playing XI is uncertain. The decision came as a surprise to many, but it was anticipated. With KL Rahul not willing to take the responsibility, as per reports, Gill was a certain name.

Despite having players like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and KL Rahul in the squad, the selectors went with Gill as the new leader. It would be interesting to see how Gill will progress and present himself as a future prospect in the leadership scene. Gill expressed how this big opportunity means to him in a short video posted by the BCCI.

As a young kid, when anyone starts playing cricket, they want to play for India. Not just play for India, but play Test cricket for India for a very long time. To be able to get this opportunity is a great honour and like you said, it's a big responsibility.

Gill said in a short video posted by the BCCI.
Pant was announced as the vice-captain of the team who will help Gill while taking crucial decisions on the field. The 25-year-old player has some experience in leading a team as he has led the Gujarat Titans (GT) in two IPL seasons. The 2024 season didn’t go well for him, but the recently concluded IPL season went pretty well for him as he helped the team to qualify for the playoffs, only to get eliminated in the Eliminator.

Even though the playoffs didn't go as expected by the GT management and fans, Gill's captaincy was highlighted. Moreover, as a batter, he was just astounding as an opener alongside Sai Sudarshan. With his uncertain position in the playing XI, it will be interesting to see where the captain will place himself in the Test series against England.