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

Monday - 30/06/2025 03:25

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.

Farokh Engineer 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 renaming the India-England Test series trophy. The trophy, formerly known as the Pataudi Trophy, has been renamed the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the beginning of the ongoing five-match Test series.

Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson pictured together.

"Tiger Pataudi was a great friend of mine, a great colleague," Engineer told PTI. "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."

Engineer 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."

Regarding the introduction of the Pataudi Medal, Engineer stated, "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 acknowledged the achievements of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson but reiterated his support for honoring 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," Engineer explained.

He concluded by expressing his hope that the ECB will give due credit to the Pataudi family. "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.