Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has won millions of hearts across the cricketing world by requesting the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to preserve Pataudi’s legacy.
Recently, the ECB’s decision to rename the England-India series from the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy sparked huge debates and criticism from fans and former cricketers.
In addition to the Master Blaster’s request, the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah suggested that the ECB keep the Pataudi Trophy name unchanged.
Reason to Rename Pataudi Trophy to Anderson-Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is the only cricketer who has played the most 200 test matches and currently ranks as the leading run scorer in the format with 15,921 runs.
On the other hand, the former England pacer James Anderson retired from test cricket in the previous year as the second most capped player with 188 test matches. Also, he is the third-highest wicket-taker in the format (704 wickets) after Shane Warne (708 wickets) and Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets).
Both these legendary cricketers played the most number of test matches for their nation and hold unique records. To honor the legacy of these two living legends, the ECB renamed the Pataudi Trophy, which received mixed reactions.
Controversy After Renaming the Pataudi Trophy
Not only the India’s former opening batter Sunil Gavaskar, but also a few members from Pataudi’s family as well voiced their opinion against the ECB.
Also, it is to be noted that Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi stands as India’s youngest captain to date, who led the national team to the first-ever overseas victory on New Zealand soil back in 1967.
Several reports claimed that the ECB has already made its decision about renaming the trophy to Pataudi’s son and Bollywood’s current actor, Saif Ali Khan.
Also, the BCCI clarified that the hosting nation has the right to rename their trophy, and all they require is to uphold the legacy of the legendary test captain to ensure the success of the contest.
One of the BCCI officials was quoted as saying to the Indian Express about this controversy:
“Yes! As per our latest appeal, one of the post-match awards will be named after Pataudi. However, the ECB has yet to decide on the players they want to name the series; it is expected that they will respond to us soon. Moreover, BCCI doesn’t have any role to play in this matter as it is England’s home test series.”
Why Sachin Tendulkar Wanted to Preserve Pataudi’s Legacy in India vs England Test Series?
As Sachin Tendulkar’s name was dedicated to the new trophy along with James Anderson, the legendary batsman felt that it was important to honor the memory and achievements of Pataudi. Notably, he was the only cricketer who represented both India and England at the international level.
ECB Plans to Introduce Pataudi Medal
Previously, the ECB planned to use Nawab Pataudi’s name throughout the England vs India series, while the trophy would be renamed after James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar.
But the latest reports claim that despite the series named after the two legends, the ECB is considering naming the medal after MAK Pataudi to honor the legendary cricketer.
Here is what one of the ECB officials said:
“Certainly! The plan is confirmed, and we will preserve Pataudi’s legacy in the England-India series. Possibly, the authorities will award a medal named after the late MAK Pataudi, which will be granted to the captain of the winning team.”
Why Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Renaming Ceremony Postponed?
Ahead of India’s red-ball tour of England, the renaming ceremony of the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy has been postponed following the recent Ahmedabad plane crash, where several individuals lost their lives.
As the event was supposed to be held on June 14 (Saturday) at the Lord’s, the ECB official confirmed that all the board members are working with the BCCI to announce a new date:
“See! We need to wait for an announcement, given the recent tragic events in India. The officials of both the ECB and BCCI are working to confirm a new fixed date. However, it is upto the BCCI to decide the right time to make an announcement; till then, the statement will be kept informal due to the shocking tragedy. It is to be noted that this event has just been postponed and not cancelled,” the ECB official said.
Final Opinion
The entire cricket world showered praises on Sachin Tendulkar’s humble gesture and deep respect towards the sport’s history. Most often, he is hailed as the ‘God of Cricket’ and once again proves to the world that he respects cricket’s rich heritage despite the game continuing to expand with new stars and record-breaking achievements.
It is understood that Tendulkar wasn’t interested in replacing another legendary cricketer’s name in the contest that had a long history and sentimental value. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s name will likely remain in the England-India post-match medal presentation ceremony, thanks to Sachin and Jay Shah’s timely intervention.