Former India Cricketer Criticizes ECB's Decision to Drop Pataudi Name From Test Trophy

Farokh Engineer Voices Disappointment Over Pataudi Trophy Renaming

Former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer has openly criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for their decision to rename the prestigious India-England Test series trophy. Previously known as the Pataudi Trophy, it has been rechristened as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the commencement of the ongoing five-match Test series.

Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, namesakes of the newly renamed trophy.

Engineer expressed his dismay, stating, "Well, Tiger Pataudi was a great friend of mine. A great colleague of mine. 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 further added, "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 commented, "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."

Engineer acknowledged the accomplishments of both Tendulkar and Anderson, saying, "...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."

He concluded, "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 said. "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 is trailing the five-match series 0-1, following a defeat at Headingley despite holding a strong position.