Ex-India Cricketer Farokh Engineer Slams ECB's Decision to Drop Pataudi Name From India-England Test Trophy

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. Previously known as the Pataudi Trophy, it has been rebranded as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the commencement of the current five-match Test series.

Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, the new namesakes of the trophy.

Engineer, a contemporary of the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, voiced his disapproval. "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," Engineer told PTI.

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."

The introduction of the Pataudi Medal was seen as a belated attempt to address the concerns. "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 stated.

While acknowledging the achievements of both Tendulkar and Anderson, Engineer noted the complexities of the situation. "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 added.

Engineer also emphasized the importance of involving the Pataudi family in the presentation of the Pataudi Medal. "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 following a loss at Headingley.