Ex-India Cricketer Criticizes Pataudi Trophy Renaming, Welcomes Pataudi Medal

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 renamed the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the commencement of the current five-match Test series.

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

"Tiger Pataudi was a great friend and colleague. We shared many Test cricket experiences together. He had a great heritage, a great family. I was very happy when the trophy was named after him in 2007," Engineer told PTI.

He further stated, "I was disappointed that the Pataudi name was removed. I would have loved for his name to remain, but the powers that be decided on Anderson and Sachin, who are legends of the game."

Engineer acknowledged the introduction of the Pataudi Medal as a positive step. "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."

"...the achievements of Tendulkar and Anderson can't be argued against. There are two sides to the story. They have named the medal after the Pataudis, which is a very thoughtful thing."

"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 commented.

"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."

India currently trails the five-match series 0-1 after a loss at Headingley.