Cricket Legend Laments ECB's Decision to Drop Pataudi Name from India-England Trophy

Monday - 30/06/2025 03:35

Farokh Engineer, a close friend of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, criticized the ECB's initial decision to rename the India-England Test series trophy, feeling the subsequent introduction of a winning captain's medal named after the Pataudi family was merely an afterthought.

Former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer has openly criticized the England Cricket Board (ECB) for their decision to rename the prestigious India-England Test series trophy. Formerly known as the Pataudi Trophy, it was recently rebranded as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the commencement of the current five-match Test series.

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

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

Engineer expressed his dismay, stating to PTI, "Tiger Pataudi was a great friend of mine, a great colleague. We played a lot of Test cricket together. [He had a] great heritage, [belonged to a] 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."

While acknowledging the exceptional achievements of both Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, Engineer suggested the introduction of the Pataudi Medal felt like an 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."

He added, "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 conceded.

Engineer also emphasized the importance of involving the Pataudi family in future presentations. "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.