Cricket Legend Laments Pataudi Trophy Renaming, Cites ECB's Decision as 'Disappointing'

Former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer has expressed his disappointment with the England Cricket Board (ECB)'s decision to rename the India-England Test series trophy. Previously known as the Pataudi Trophy, it has been rechristened the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the commencement of the current five-match Test series.

Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, now namesakes of the India-England Test series trophy.

Engineer, a contemporary of the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, voiced his concerns to PTI, stating, "Well, Tiger Pataudi was a great friend of mine. A great colleague of mine. We played a lot of Test cricket together. Great heritage, great family. I was most happy when the trophy was named after him back in 2007."

He further added, "On one hand, I was very disappointed that the Pataudi name was removed. I would have loved Tiger's name to go on, but instead, the powers that be decided on Anderson and Sachin, who are legends of the game."

While acknowledging the unparalleled achievements of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, Engineer suggested that the introduction of the Pataudi Medal felt like an afterthought. "It (introducing the Pataudi Medal) was obviously an afterthought. They should have announced it in the beginning—that would have had more credibility—but at least they have done something. Common sense has prevailed, and I hope the Pataudi name always remains."

He continued, "...the achievements of Tendulkar and Anderson can't be argued against. There are two sides to the story. They have named the medal after the Pataudis, which is a very thoughtful thing."

Engineer concluded by expressing his hope that the Pataudi family would be given due recognition during the presentation of the newly instituted medal. "That must be a second choice to appease a lot of Pataudi supporters, of which I am one, but you can't blame them for naming the trophy after Sachin and Anderson," Engineer said. "The whole issue is debatable, but they have kept the name. I hope they invite Sharmila Tagore (Mansur's wife) and his son Saif Ali Khan to present the medal. Last series, they didn't do that. Fingers were pointed at the ECB for that. Hopefully, they give them due credit."

Currently, India trails the five-match series 0-1 following a defeat at Headingley.