Ex-India Cricketer Criticizes ECB's Decision to Drop Pataudi Name from Test Trophy

Former Cricketer Voices Disappointment Over Renaming of India-England Test Trophy

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

Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, the new namesakes of the trophy.

Engineer conveyed his sentiments to PTI, stating, "Tiger Pataudi was a great friend of mine, a great colleague. 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 accomplishments of both Tendulkar and Anderson, Engineer noted the subsequent introduction of the Pataudi Medal as a possible afterthought. "It 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."

Engineer also hopes that the ECB will appropriately acknowledge the Pataudi family's contribution to cricket. "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 after a loss at Headingley.