India and South Africa to launch Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela Series

South Africa's trip to India in October will be the inaugural Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela Series, with the winner of the four-match Test section being awarded the Freedom Trophy.

Jagmohan Dalmiya, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, 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."

Cricket South Africa 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.

"Naming all future bilateral series between our two countries after Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela is eternal news for our people and cricketers and I would like to thank the Nelson Mandela Foundation for their support."