India and South Africa to play for the Freedom Trophy for the first time later this year
'Gandhi-Mandela Series' announced
India and South Africa have announced that all future series between the two countries will be played under the title of 'The Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela Series'.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India and Cricket South Africa have also introduced the 'Freedom Trophy', named in honour of the two political figures, which will be up for grabs in future Test series between the two nations.
Gandhi and Mandela are two of the world's most revered historical figures and played key roles in shaping the political landscape of their respective countries.
Mandela was an anti-apartheid figure who served as South Africa's president in the 1990s, while Gandhi peacefully led the Indian independence movement.
"The struggle for freedom has been the common thread between our countries," said BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya.
"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."
CSA Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat added: "For the people of both our countries there is no greater duty than to uphold the ideals of both Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
"As cricket loving people we must fight hard to win on the field of play but never forget to do battle in the spirit of these two great men."
The first Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela Series will be played in October, November and December this year when South Africa travel to India for three T20 internationals, five ODIs and four Tests.