Ex-India Cricketer Laments Pataudi Trophy Name Change, Calls for Acknowledgment of Cricket Legacy

Former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer has voiced his disappointment with the England and Wales 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 expressed his sentiments to PTI, stating, "Tiger Pataudi was a great friend and colleague. We shared many Test matches together. He had a great heritage and family. I was very pleased when the trophy was named after him in 2007."

He further added, "I was very disappointed that the Pataudi name was removed. While I would have preferred for Tiger's name to remain, the decision-makers opted for Anderson and Sachin, who are both legends of the game."

The introduction of the Pataudi Medal was viewed by Engineer as a belated gesture. "It was obviously an afterthought. Announcing it at the beginning would have had more credibility, but at least they have done something. Common sense has prevailed, and I hope the Pataudi name always remains."

While acknowledging the undeniable achievements of both Tendulkar and Anderson, Engineer emphasized the importance of recognizing the Pataudi family's contribution to cricket.

"Naming the medal after the Pataudis is a very thoughtful thing," he conceded. "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 concluded by expressing his hope that the ECB will properly acknowledge the Pataudi family in future events. "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, and fingers were pointed at the ECB. Hopefully, they give them due credit."

India is currently trailing the five-match series 0-1 after a loss at Headingley.