Ex-India Cricketer Farokh Engineer Criticizes ECB's Pataudi Trophy Renaming

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

Legends of the game: Sachin Tendulkar with James Anderson.

Engineer, a contemporary of the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, known as Tiger Pataudi, voiced his concerns to PTI. "Tiger Pataudi was a great friend and colleague. 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 stated.

Engineer acknowledged the achievements of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, calling them "legends of the game," but lamented the removal of the Pataudi name. "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."

He further commented on the introduction of the Pataudi Medal: "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."

Regarding the decision to honor Tendulkar and Anderson, Engineer added, "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 also emphasized the importance of involving the Pataudi family in future presentations. "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.