A combined image of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson
| Photo Credit: PTI and Reuters

The launch of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy for the upcoming Test series between India and England has been delayed due to the recent airline tragedy in Ahmedabad which led to 275 deaths.

Previously called the Pataudi Trophy in honour of former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, the decision to rename it as Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy (ATT) was taken by the host England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

“Yes, the launch of ATT Trophy (which was to be held originally on June 14) has been delayed due to the recent tragedy in Ahmedabad. It has not been cancelled. Hopefully, there will be a launch in next few days just before the start of the series,” a BCCI official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

More than 50 British nationals also lost their lives in the crash. The Air India flight 171 was travelling to London and crashed within minutes of take off.

The renaming of the trophy is an ode to two living legends, England pacer James Anderson and Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar. The series starting June 20 in Leeds will feature five Test matches.

It has also been learnt that the ECB has received a request from the BCCI to retain the Pataudi connection to the series by having an individual honour named after him.

As per sources, Tendulkar and ICC chairman Jay Shah want Pataudi’s name to remain associated with the marquee series keeping in mind the late captain’s contribution to Indian cricket.