Pataudi Trophy Renaming Sparks Criticism: Former India Star Voices Disappointment with ECB Decision

Former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer has expressed 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 ongoing five-match Test series.

Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, namesakes of the newly renamed trophy.

Engineer stated, "Well, 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 continued, "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."

The introduction of the Pataudi Medal was viewed by Engineer as a secondary consideration. "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."

While acknowledging the achievements of Tendulkar and Anderson, Engineer emphasized the significance of the Pataudi legacy. "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," he conceded.

Engineer hopes the ECB will properly acknowledge the Pataudi family's contributions. "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 defeat at Headingley.