Pataudi Trophy Renaming Sparks Criticism: Ex-India Star Questions ECB's Decision

Farokh Engineer Voices Disappointment Over Pataudi Trophy Renaming

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. The trophy, formerly known as the Pataudi Trophy, has been rechristened the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the commencement of the ongoing five-match Test series.

Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, two legends whose names now grace the trophy.

Engineer, a contemporary of the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, popularly known as "Tiger," shared his sentiments with PTI. "Tiger Pataudi was a great friend and colleague. We played a lot of Test cricket together. He had a great heritage and family. I was very happy when the trophy was named after him back in 2007," Engineer stated.

The former wicket-keeper batsman further added, "On one hand, I was very disappointed that the Pataudi name was removed. I would have loved Tiger's name to continue, but the authorities decided on Anderson and Sachin, who are legends of the game."

Regarding the introduction of the Pataudi Medal, Engineer commented, "It was obviously an afterthought. They should have announced it at 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 acknowledged the undeniable achievements of both Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson but emphasized the significance of the Pataudi legacy. He stated that naming the medal after the Pataudi family was a considerate gesture.

"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 explained.

He also voiced his hope that Sharmila Tagore, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi's wife, and their son, Saif Ali Khan, would be invited to present the medal. "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 their loss at Headingley.