Engineer Slams ECB's Pataudi Trophy Decision, Cites Disappointment Over Renaming

Former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer has expressed his disappointment with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for renaming the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The trophy's name was changed at the beginning of the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England.

Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson: The trophy is now named after these legends.

Engineer stated, "Tiger Pataudi was a great friend of mine, a great 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 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."

While acknowledging the achievements of Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, Engineer believes that the decision to introduce the Pataudi Medal seems like an afterthought. "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," he said.

Engineer also hopes that the ECB will invite Sharmila Tagore, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi's wife, and their son Saif Ali Khan to present the medal. He recalled that they weren't invited in the last series, which drew criticism towards the ECB. "Hopefully, they give them due credit," he added.

Currently, India trails the five-match series 0-1 after their defeat at Headingley.