The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have announced that they will title all future bilateral series between the two countries — “The Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela Series”.
Going forward, the Test series between the respective countries will be played for the “Freedom Trophy” which is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
BCCI president, Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya, said: “The struggle for freedom has been the common thread between our countries. Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela liberated our nations with non-violence and non-co-operation as their weapons which have inspired the world, to adopt and achieve their goals in a peaceful manner. We dedicate this trophy to Mahatma and Madiba, the guiding souls of our nations.”
Hon. Secretary, Mr. Anurag Thakur, said: “The Test Series has been christened as the ‘Freedom Trophy’. Freedom for which Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela sacrificed their lives and thereby allowed a nation to be born free from years of bondage and suppression.
“BCCI, on behalf of every citizen of our country is able to pay tribute to these great leaders by naming the series after them and appeal to each and every citizen of our country to imbibe their ideals and follow the path advised by them,” he added.
CSA president, Mr Chris Nenzani, said “The revered names of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela leave us with a huge responsibility to live up to the legacies they have left us.