Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has expressed strong disappointment over the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) decision to rename the India-England Test series trophy from the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Engineer, a close friend of the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, called the move “disrespectful” and described the newly introduced Pataudi Medal for the winning captain as a mere afterthought to appease supporters like him.
The ECB had introduced the Pataudi Trophy in 2007 for the Test series played in England between India and England. However, ahead of the ongoing five-match series, the name was changed to honour two modern-day greats-Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson. The decision has been met with criticism from several quarters, including legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.
Speaking to PTI, Engineer said, “Well, Tiger Pataudi was a great friend of mine. Great colleague of mine. We played a lot of Test cricket. Great heritage, great family. I was most happy when the trophy was named after him back in 2007.”
“On one hand I was very disappointed that the Pataudi name was removed. I would love Tiger’s name to go on but instead powers that be decided with Anderson and Sachin who are legends of the game.”
While acknowledging the stature of both Tendulkar-the highest run-getter in Test cricket-and Anderson-the most successful fast bowler in terms of wickets-Engineer stressed that Pataudi’s legacy deserved to be preserved.
“It (introducing the Pataudi medal) was obviously an afterthought, they should have announced it in the beginning. That would have more credibility, but at least they have done something. Common sense has prevailed and I hope the Pataudi name always remains.”
Engineer also revealed that the Pataudi Medal was introduced after Tendulkar requested the ECB to do so. The medal, now named the Pataudi Medal, will be awarded to the winning captain of the Test series.
“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 former wicketkeeper-batter also underlined the Pataudi family’s deep-rooted ties with both English and Indian cricket. He said that while the situation remains debatable, a degree of balance has been restored with the introduction of the medal. He further urged the ECB to include Pataudi’s family in the ceremonial aspects.
“I hope they call Sharmila Tagore and Saif Ali Khan to present the medal, which they have not done before. That would give them the due credit they deserve.”
England currently leads the series 1-0. The second Test will begin on July 2.
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