The reason behind the naming of India-England Test series

The current series between India and England is known as the Anthony De Mello Trophy. While the sponsors have certainly made their name shine on series in the past, not many are familiar with the fact that this is indeed the Anthony De Mello trophy. However, in the previous encounter at England, the series was known as the Pataudi Trophy.

This came after Sharmila Tagore, the widow of the late ‘Tiger Pataudi’ wrote to the BCCI requesting the BCCI to rename the trophy. This was instituted by the MCC in 2007 when India toured England to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India-England Test ties. The trophy was designed by Jocelyn Burton, a London Silversmith.

Anthony De Mello was one of the found members of the BCCI and was an apt cricket administrator. Since 1951, all the series had been played under this particular banner and the BCCI was indeed adamant about keeping this name intact.

BCCI secretary Sanjay Jagdale said in a statement, “India-England Test Series in India is played for the Anthony De Mello trophy instituted in 1951 in the name of the first secretary of the BCCI, recognizing his contribution to Indian cricket.”

Also read – Bengaluru to host Indian Premier League 2017 Auction

Rajiv Shukla, an official of the BCCI also went on to comment on the petition written by the Pataudi family to the board. “The matter is in the domain of the BCCI president and BCCI working committee. They will have to look into several aspects before coming to any decision. I think the matter is under consideration,” Shukla had said in 2012.

Even the MCC had proposed to change the name of the trophy earlier in 2007. However, an objection from the BCCI meant that it would not be changed. The statement by Jagdale also stated the same, “In 2007, when MCC proposed the institution of Pataudi Trophy for England-India series, the BCCI had clarified that the trophy is already named after Anthony De Mello.”