Team India is currently in London to play a five-match Test series against England. Ahead of the series, the ECB and BCCI have made a significant decision by changing the name of the trophy. The Pataudi Trophy has now been renamed the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This move has surprised many veterans of the game, and now, a peculiar reaction from World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has also emerged.

Kapil Dev’s Statement on the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

The Test series between India and England was named the Pataudi Trophy in 2007, in honor of former Indian captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. This name is now being replaced ahead of the 2025 series.

During an event held in Tunbridge Wells to commemorate his iconic 175-run knock against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, Kapil Dev shared his thoughts on the name change. He said:

“It feels a bit strange. Does something like this really happen? But it’s fine everything goes on in cricket. After all, it doesn’t really matter. Cricket is cricket, and it should remain the same on the field.”

Why Was the Pataudi Trophy Named?

Before India’s independence, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi played county cricket in England. Later, his son Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi also played county cricket and went on to captain the Indian national team. In recognition of their contribution to cricket in both countries, the Pataudi Trophy was introduced in 2007 by the ECB and BCCI.

However, in 2025, the boards have made a major decision to rename the series, while still honoring the Pataudi legacy. From now on, the winning captain will be awarded the Pataudi Medal preserving the Pataudi name in a new form.