Former India Cricketer Criticizes ECB's Pataudi Trophy Rebrand, Cites "Disappointment"

Former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer has voiced his disappointment with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)'s decision to rename the Pataudi Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Test series between India and England. The trophy has been newly named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, commemorating legends James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson: Honored with the newly named trophy.

Engineer stated to PTI, "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."

While acknowledging the achievements of Tendulkar and Anderson, Engineer viewed the subsequent introduction of the Pataudi Medal as 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 further 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. The whole issue is debatable, but they have kept the name."

Engineer expressed hope that Sharmila Tagore, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi's wife, and their son, Saif Ali Khan, would be invited 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.