The proposed grand launch of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy – the new symbol of supremacy for the England-India bilateral Test series in England – has been postponed. The decision to defer the event (or perhaps cancel it altogether) comes in the wake of the solemn mood in India following the Ahmedabad plane crash.

Cricbuzz can confirm that the trophy-naming ceremony was originally scheduled for Saturday (June 14), on the sidelines of the World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have jointly decided to call off the event, which was to be held at Lord’s.

“Given the tragic events in India, the announcement may wait a while out of respect (for the lives lost),” a very high ranked ECB official told Cricbuzz on Saturday. Both the BCCI and ECB officials are deciding on a flexible new date. “The BCCI are still deciding on the right time for the announcement. The announcement had been kept flexible due to the tragedy,” the ECB official further said.

Over 275 people, including 241 on board AI-171 Air India aircraft that crashed near the Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday (June 12) afternoon, died in what is being regarded as one of the worst aviation disasters in India.

The launch of the renamed trophy was all set to take place on Saturday and it is understood that the invites for the protagonists for the trophy, including Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, were sent. The decision was taken at the last minute to call it off for the time being.

Pataudi legacy to continue

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy comes in place of the Pataudi Trophy, which was being given to the winners of the bilateral Test series between in England previously on March 31, the ECB has decided to retire it. It had also formally communicated the decision to the members of the Pataudi family.

However, there seems to be a change of heart in the ECB following a request from Sachin Tendulkar himself. It is understood, Tendulkar is believed to have spoken to the BCCI and ECB officials to continue with the Pataudi legacy. Then Jay Shah, a former BCCI secretary and current Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC), came along and played a pivotal role in ensuring that the Pataudi name in the bilateral contests remains undiminished.

The ECB official confirmed the decision. “Yes, there is a confirmed plan to retain the Pataudi link in the England-India series,” the official further told this website. It is likely that the authorities will name a medallion in the name of late MAK Pataudi, which will, in all likelihood, be given to the winning captain.