Another twist before the five-match Test series between England and India. As per some latest reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to rethink scrapping the prestigious Pataudi Trophy.

The ECB has already decided to retire the Pataudi Trophy and replace it with a newly named Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy for the upcoming England vs. India Test. The decision by the cricket governing board of England received mixed reactions. Two former internationals, James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar, also consider them as the greats of the game. Anderson played his last Test match for England at Lord's against the West Indies in July 2024. Throughout his career, he took 704 Test wickets in 350 innings. Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement from international cricket on November 16, 2013, after playing his 200th Test match. In 200 tests, he scored 15,921 with an average of 53.78, including 51 centuries. 

According to the latest information, BCCI expressed their desire to preserve the legacy of the former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. With that aim, the board asked ECB to name one of their awards for individual performances in the upcoming series after the legendary figure of Indian cricket. Though nothing is official yet. In fact, the ECB has yet to officially announce the decision to retire the Pataudi Trophy, which was introduced in 2007 for the first time to celebrate India’s 75th anniversary of their first Test in 1932.

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Official confirmations yet to come

"We have requested them to name one of the post-match trophies after Pataudi, and they will revert to us. It’s the ECB that decides on whom they want to name their series. The BCCI has no role in it, as it’s their home series," a BCCI official was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. 

However, it is also known that the ECB had informed Pataudi's son and Bollywood actor, Saif Ali Khan, about the renaming of the trophy.

BCCI's desire to host the final of the next edition's ICC World Test Championship Final (WTC Final) is all set to be rejected, and the hosting rights are likely to be held by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the latest media report suggested. 

During the ongoing WTC Final 2025, a fresh report has claimed that, like the first three editions of the tournament, the ECB will be the host to arrange the next three WTC finals as well. Official confirmation is yet to come, but verbally the cricket governing body of England reportedly got the confirmation from the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to the media reports, the ICC is expected to confirm England’s hosting rights at its annual conference scheduled for July. If ECB receives the hosting rights as mentioned in the reports, then it can be extended through to 2031.

England has already arranged three finals, including the ongoing one between Australia and South Africa. There can be various factors behind preferring England over any other cricket-playing nation to arrange the 'ultimate Test' in each edition. The cricket-loving crowd in England often gathers in large numbers to witness a high-voltage Test match. Even the ongoing match at Lord's sees a full house for the first three days. Cricket fans' enthusiasm in the UK about the longest format of the game, no matter which two teams are performing, is possibly a definite factor to fix England as the probable host of the final for three more upcoming editions. 

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Though, there can be different opinions also, like in the recent past. Rohit Sharma and Pat Cummins questioned the venue for the final match. According to both Sharma and Cummins, the ICC should consider other countries too as the host of the WTC final. 

Rohit and Cummins raised questions before 

"It can be played any time of the year and anywhere in the world, not just in England," Rohit Sharma said. 

And, according to the Australia skipper, "It'd be nice if maybe the previous winner hosted that for the next time, or something like that." But as an alternative, I think having it at Lord's every cycle is also a pretty good place."

Former Indian cricketers have openly criticized the renaming of the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series in England. The decision, made to honor Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson — the highest run-getter and wicket-taker in the format among the two nations — has sparked backlash from those who felt the original name held historic significance. Previously, the trophy was named after Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, former Indian captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi.

Saad Bin Jung, former first-class cricketer and a member of the Pataudi family, expressed deep disappointment. Speaking to Mid-Day, he said,

“It’s baffling to see a cricketer permitting a trophy to be taken away from a former Indian Test captain and renamed in his own honor. This reflects a total disregard for the cricketing community and his seniors in the game.”

He further added, “It speaks volumes about how far people are willing to go for recognition — any form of fame, even if it means overshadowing those who led Indian cricket before them. In doing so, you’ve lost all respect in my eyes and in the eyes of the entire cricket fraternity,” he added.

Calls for Respecting Cricket’s Legacy

Former India player Yajuvendra Singh echoed similar sentiments, slamming the decision to scrap the historic title.

“It is ridiculous to retire the Pataudi Trophy. Tiger, to me, was one of the greatest Indian cricketers to play the game. He led India for over a decade and played with one eye — that’s greatness personified! I can’t imagine a single international cricketer performing the way he did at the highest level. Milburn, Ranji, and many others tried and failed. The BCCI should have stepped in before the proposal came from the England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB].”

Former India spinner Venkatapathy Raju has also weighed in on the controversy, stating that replacing the Pataudi Trophy was not necessary. Raju, who represented India in 81 international matches, said (via Mid-Day):

Also Read: BCCI Releases Updated Venues for India’s Home Season & South Africa A Tour

“Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer and Anderson the highest wicket-taker [against India], so maybe that was the reasoning behind this decision, but discarding the Pataudi Trophy entirely feels unnecessary.”

The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy is scheduled to be unveiled ahead of the first Test between India and England, which begins at Headingley in Leeds on June 20.

As per emerging reports, the Champions League T20 (CLT20) could make a comeback in the following years. Talks are reportedly underway between the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia (CA) to revive the dormant league. The league came into existence in 2009, and the inaugural edition was played in India. However, it all came to an end in 2014 with the last edition also being staged in India. 

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have particularly shown keen interest and is working on a plan to bring life to this now-defunct league. CLT20 comprised T20 franchise teams from regions spanning across South Asia, Oceania, Southern Africa, the Caribbean, and the UK. Popular IPL franchises like MI and CSK also took part in this league across six editions. 

See also: TNPL 2025: Golden opportunity for Gujarat Titans talent to redeem his luck

ECB's plan to revive CLT20

During a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould unveiled ambitious plans to bring the league back to life. He is engaging in active discussions with representatives from BCCI, CA, and CSA (Cricket South Africa) to curate a league that exactly mirrors the now-defunct CLT20 but with a catch. What would be different this time is that the league would include male and female teams, thus giving it an inclusive outlook. The plan is in the early stage and is yet to take full shape, but the ECB CEO has assured that he is proactively working on it to make this plan turn into reality someday. 

"CLT20 was ahead of its time. We are looking to make it happen now. That is anticipated. There will undoubtedly be a World Club Championship for both men and women at some point. According to India Today, he stated, "That's the next logical step."

The ECB is exploring the options to revive Champions League T20.

ECB CEO said, "CLT20 was ahead of its time. We are looking to make it happen now". (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/yjzMEdS2Lh

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 6, 2025

Why should CLT20 be revived?

CLT20 was decommissioned after the 2014 edition for several reasons. A decline in viewership and limited sponsorship deals, followed by a congested cricketing calendar, made it impossible for the stakeholders to continue the league smoothly. But in an era dictated by franchise cricket, the world deserves to see a league that represents the global values of the franchises.

Franchises from different corners of the world have the opportunity to come together under one roof and compete with each other to showcase their excellence on an international scale. Moreover, exposure to different venues also facilitates preparedness and greater adaptability, which the players so desperately need to thrive in modern-day cricket. While discussions are ongoing, no official announcements have been made regarding the tournament's revival. However, the renewed interest from major cricket boards indicates a positive outlook for the future of CLT20. 

The upcoming five-Test series between England and India is to mark the beginning of an era of cricketing competition with the launch of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. The series, which is to start on June 20 in Headingley, is to pay tribute to two contemporary greats—India's batting kingpin Sachin Tendulkar and England's greatest fast bowler James Anderson. This change is a break with the past since the series will no longer be contested for the Pataudi Trophy, which had been the emblem of India-England Tests in England since 2007.

The Pataudi Trophy was introduced to celebrate 75 years of Test cricket between the two countries and honored the legendary Pataudi family. Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi both led India and have left a lasting mark on the game. The retirement of the Pataudi Trophy has evoked responses from all over the cricketing universe, especially from retired Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, who has criticized the move as insensitive to the contributions of the Pataudis to cricket in both nations.

In spite of the controversy, the new Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy seeks to honor two icons who defined the contemporary age of Test cricket. Tendulkar, the record run-scorer in Tests with 15,921 runs, and Anderson, the leading fast bowler of all time with 704 wickets, played 14 Tests against each other. Anderson particularly bowled out Tendulkar nine times—the most by any bowler—which made their tussle a bookend saga of 21st-century cricket.

Tribute or Tradition: Trophy Renaming Debate

Sunil Gavaskar's criticism is part of a larger debate regarding cricket's changing attitude towards paying tribute to its icons. While the ECB and BCCI might consider the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy an apt tribute to two superstars of the game, there are people who consider the retirement of the Pataudi Trophy a decision that forgets greater historical context.

Also Read: 'I dont have a particular style..' - Shubman Gill comments on his desired style of captaincy ahead of England tour

Notably, this modification is following a similar pattern as England and New Zealand did by substituting their series name with the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy this year. As the supporters get ready to witness an intense series, the new trophy also lends an emotional and historic dimension to the matches to come.

Team India could face a tough time in the current five-match Test series as England's paceman Jofra Archer is said to be on track to return for the second Test. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) declared their 14-man team for the series' first Test, which will start on June 20. Ben Stokes will remain the captain, and Jamie Overton has been recalled after three years. Gus Atkinson was left out, and Jofra Archer also wasn't initially included because of a recent injury setback.

Archer was set to return to red-ball action after a lengthy absence and was going to feature in the second unofficial Test against India A. But a thumb injury received while representing Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2025 put a spanner in the works. This delay pushed his much-awaited return to Test cricket, many fearing another prolonged absence.

Even though there was an initial setback, there is renewed hope in the England camp. England's top selector had good news about Archer's fitness and indicated that a second Test comeback at Edgbaston on July 2 may be possible. He said Archer is recovering well and will participate in a couple of second-team games for Sussex. If he is able to play against Durham in the first Test, it could set the stage for his return in the next match.

Archer's Test Comeback on the Cards

Jofra Archer last played Test cricket in February 2021, the irony being that it was against India. If Archer returns to play this Test, it would be a big boost for England's fast bowling attack, knowing Edgbaston is particularly receptive to fast bowling. With Archer's unique pace, bounce, and capacity to reverse swing the ball, he could have a massive impact on the Indian top order.

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The timing of his comeback could be decisive, the series still in its infancy. In full fitness, Archer could tip the balance in England's favor, threatening India's chances of a series victory on English ground.

The third ODI between England and the West Indies at The Oval on June 3, 2025, got underway with an unusual twist. The notorious traffic of London held up the West Indies team's arrival, advancing the 1:00 PM start. ECB confirmed the visitors were held up in "heavy traffic," as England had to warm up by themselves with drizzle threatening the high-scoring Oval pitch.

Coinciding with World Bicycle Day, England cricketers converted the delay into a viral event. A video published on England Cricket displayed the team riding bicycles along London's roads to avoid traffic, reaching The Oval with big smiles. The lighthearted prank, well-timed to coincide with the international celebration of cycling, reflected their flexibility and provided a sunny mood ahead of the decisive match.

With the toss delayed to 1:10 PM upon the arrival of the West Indies, England faced high stakes. England, on top of the series at 2-0 and ranked eighth in ICC ODI rankings, wanted to gain crucial points. The ninth-ranked West Indies required a victory to enhance their prospects for direct qualification to the 2027 World Cup, and thus the game was tight on a bat-friendly surface. 

Match Stakes and Weather Watch

For the West Indies, winning is essential in order to boost their ICC rankings and remain in contention for the World Cup, while England aim to secure their position. The weather forecast at The Oval indicates light drizzle with a 30–40% chance of rain in the afternoon, with possible interference but not enough to rain out the game completely.

Watch the video here

Arriving at the ground in style 😎

Only one way to beat the road closures in London 😂 pic.twitter.com/2xrSPypnQD

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 3, 2025

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Ground staff are attuned to manage minor delays, and having no reserve day, the two teams will strive for a outcome. The initial mayhem has raised expectations only for an exciting encounter under overcast London skies.

England receive a huge jolt ahead of the second ODI against the West Indies, slated to be played on June 1. Jamie Overton has been ruled out for the remainder of the white-ball series, which involved two ODIs and three T20Is. The seam-bowling all-rounder sustained an injury by breaking his right little finger in the first ODI at Edgbaston.

Overton will now be incorporated into a rehab program under the close supervision of the England medical team. The ECB will not announce a replacement for him for the remainder of the series. 

See also: England register their biggest win in ODI cricket

ECB issues statement on Overton's injury

The ECB issued a media release on Saturday, shedding light on Overton's unfortunate injury update. The statement said the following:

“England and Surrey all-rounder Jamie Overton has been ruled out of the remaining Metro Bank One-Day Internationals and the Vitality IT20s against the West Indies due to a broken right little finger. Overton sustained the injury during England’s first Metro Bank ODI victory at Edgbaston on Thursday. He will now undergo a period of rehabilitation under the supervision of the England medical team. No replacement will be added to the ODI squad.”

Jamie Overton has been ruled out of the remaining ODIs and IT20s vs West Indies due to a broken right little finger 🚨

Overton sustained the injury during England’s first ODI victory at Edgbaston on Thursday 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/ZB0PyMQfo1

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 31, 2025

More details of his injury are awaited at this stage. Overton played a key role with the ball in the first ODI and returned formidable figures of 3-22, which included prize scalps of Chase, Forde, and Motie. His absence from the squad might be felt by England leading into the series, as Overton is considered one of the finest white-ball prospects for England in recent times. 

The much-anticipated white-ball series between England and the West Indies is about to get underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on May 29 at 5:30 PM IST. The three-match ODI series will span across six days and will be played in venues such as Birmingham, Cardiff, and London. The series marks a pivotal point for both teams as they look to reboot and begin preparations for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by South Africa and Namibia. 

Speaking of the recent form of the two teams, both England and the West Indies have a point to prove. England have been winless in the ODI format for the past seven games and find themselves in a desperate situation to break the deadlock. Moreover, they have also been unsuccessful against the Men in Maroon in their last ODI tour to the Caribbean, where they went down by a margin of 1-2. 

Meanwhile, the West Indies, on the other hand, haven't tasted an incredible amount of success in this format either. In their recent white-ball tour to Ireland, the visitors could only level the series 1-1. A disastrous outing with the bat in the series opener gave Ireland a definitive advantage. Despite showing flashes of brilliance later on, the West Indies failed to clinch the series as the second ODI was washed out, thus overshadowing Carty's brilliance with the bat in the second ODI. 

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England's Playing XI:

• Ben Duckett
• Jamie Smith
• Joe Root
• Harry Brook (C)
• Jos Buttler
• Jacob Bethell
• Will Jacks
• Jamie Overton
• Brydon Carse
• Saqib Mahmood
• Adil Rashid

HARRY BROOK ERA BEGINS - Mission to 2027 ODI WC underway in full swing

The decision to appoint Brook as the white-ball captain signals a tactical shift in the team's strategy leading up to the next ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2027. After a stellar outing in the 2019 World Cup, England's performance in ICC events has hit rock bottom. The Poms were blown away in the 2023 ODI World Cup without a fight, and then came the Champions Trophy 2025 humiliation, where they lost to Afghanistan and were officially eliminated by them in the group stage. 

While not necessarily captain, Harry Brook being framed as the face of the next era implies he's central to England’s plans. As some senior players near the twilight of their careers, Brook is likely being groomed as a long-term anchor of the batting unit. Additionally, Brook’s ability to play across formats with an aggressive mindset aligns well with England’s white-ball philosophy under Eoin Morgan and beyond. This "era" tag amounts to sky-high expectations, and to justify the expectations, he'll need to convert starts and build a legacy with match-winning performances.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will get underway on May 17, but it's not plain sailing for all franchises. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who are second on the points table, have been hit hard by the release of England's ODI and T20I squads for the West Indies tour. The bilateral series is in direct conflict with the last stage of the IPL season, including playoffs.

RCB will lose two of their most important overseas players, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone, to international duty. Both are members of England's white-ball teams, and their loss is at a time when RCB is seeking to build momentum into the knockout stages. The team has only three games left before the playoffs, so every player at their disposal is important to their cause.

Phil Salt has been an asset at the top of the order, offering fast starts and assisting in setting the tone in the powerplay. Liam Livingstone, whose explosive middle-order batting and useful spin bowling have been a major asset, is another player who has now gone. Their loss now compels RCB to think about reserve options and reassess their game plan under pressure.

England Squad for West Indies Tour Raises IPL Alarm

ODI Squad: Brook (C), Root, Archer, Atkinson, Banton, Bethell, Buttler, Carse, Duckett, Hartley, Jacks, Mahmood, Potts, Overton, Rashid, and Smith.
T20I Squad: Brook (C), Rehan, Banton, Bethell, Buttler, Carse, Dawson, Duckett, Jacks, Mahmood, Potts, Overton, Rashid, Salt, and Luke Wood.

England Unveil their White-Ball Squad for West Indies Series in Summer

The squad is set to face the West Indies in both ODIs and T20Is, with the series set to start on May 29. pic.twitter.com/e9kiPM24ID

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) May 13, 2025

Also Read: PCB appoints RCB former coach as Pakistan Men's White-Ball head coach

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has indicated clearly that national commitments are more important than IPL commitments. With other franchises losing England players as well, the balance of the tournament could be significantly altered. For RCB, this is a test of bench strength and flexibility. Losing Salt and Livingstone at this point could either throw their campaign off track or result in a fierce comeback with new domestic talent emerging.