In an exclusive interview with RevSportz, former Team India legend Sachin Tendulkar opened up about the controversy surrounding the renaming of the Pataudi Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had jointly decided to rename the Pataudi Trophy as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, in honour of James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.
Tendulkar, who had remained silent until now, shared his perspective: “Yes, I have [stay silent]. Let me then tell you the full thing. First things first, the decision to retire the trophy rested with the BCCI and the ECB. Only after they had taken the decision did they communicate that to me. As far as the Pataudi family is concerned, I am conscious of the contribution they have made to Indian cricket. Pataudi senior played for England and for India, while Tiger Pataudi captained India with distinction. I did not see them play for I wasn’t born, but I have indeed heard stories and those stories inspire us all,” Tendulkar told RevSportz.
Expressing his respect for the Pataudi family’s contribution to Indian cricket, Tendulkar revealed that he had discussions with both the BCCI and the ECB. He ensured that the legacy would continue to be honoured in another meaningful way.
“The winning captain will be awarded the Pataudi Medal of Excellence.” – Sachin Tendulkar
“That’s why I was determined to ensure that the legacy was kept intact. When I got to know, I called the family and had a conversation. Thereafter, I spoke to Mr. Jay Shah, the BCCI and the ECB, and mentioned to them that something had to be done to ensure the legacy stayed on. They heard my point of view, and thereafter we got on a second call where it was decided that the Pataudi name will be associated with the series, and the winning captain will be awarded the Pataudi Medal of Excellence. I have always respected my seniors, and did everything in my power to make sure that the Pataudi legacy continues to be associated with this series,” Tendulkar said.
The name ‘Pataudi Trophy’ was introduced in 2007 for the England vs India Test series, as a tribute to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and his father, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi—two former India captains from the Pataudi family.
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