First awarded in 2015, the trophy is dedicated to famous Indian and South African freedom fighters Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela respectively.

The series is named after leaders of both countries to pay tribute to them for playing a major role in winning independence by nonviolence.

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 appeals to each and every citizen of our country to imbibe their ideals and follow the path advised by themFor 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.