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"Hope They Invite" Farokh Engineer Urges ECB To Let Saif And Sharmila Present Pataudi Medal

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Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore [Source: @CricketopiaCom, @ZoomTV/x.com]Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore [Source: @CricketopiaCom, @ZoomTV/x.com]

Just when you thought the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy chatter had died down, the heat is back on. This time, it is not just about the nameplate on the silverware, it is about legacy, respect and a royal snub that has got tongues wagging across the cricketing world.

Farokh Engineer Asks ECB To Honour Pataudi Legacy

Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer, never one to mince words, has now added fuel to the fire, saying the Pataudi Medal feels like an "afterthought" from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), a last-minute fix to calm the storm stirred by dropping Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi’s name from the series trophy.

Back in 2007, India-England Test series got a classy, royal touch with the Pataudi Trophy, honouring the late Tiger Pataudi, a man who not only captained India with grace but also had deep cricketing ties with England.

So when the ECB replaced that name with Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy ahead of the ongoing five-match Test series, eyebrows were raised and feathers were ruffled. Among those who didn’t take it lying down was Sunil Gavaskar. Now, Farokh Engineer has joined the chorus.

“I was very disappointed that the Pataudi name was removed,” Engineer said as qoted by PTI, calling Pataudi not just a colleague, but a dear friend with “great heritage and great family.”

To be fair, Engineer wasn’t throwing shade at Sachin Tendulkar or James Anderson.

“You can’t argue against their achievements,” he said, acknowledging that their names deserve to be etched in history.

But his gripe was more about how the change was handled without a heads-up or a proper nod to the Pataudi legacy. The decision to later announce a Pataudi Medal for the winning captain seemed more like damage control than genuine homage.

“It was obviously an afterthought,” Engineer said, blunt as ever. “They should have announced it in the beginning. That would’ve had more credibility. But at least they’ve done something. Common sense has prevailed and I hope the Pataudi name always remains.”

Engineer Asks ECB To Invite Pataudi Family To Present The Medal

Engineer went a step further. He believes the ECB still owes something more, a formal invitation to Sharmila Tagore (Pataudi’s wife) and Saif Ali Khan, the late legend’s son, to present the newly minted 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. The last series they didn’t do that. Fingers were pointed at the ECB. Hopefully this time they give them due credit,” he added.

It’s not just about the silver and shine. It’s about legacy. About doing the right thing. And about making sure cricket doesn’t forget the men who shaped its identity across generations.

Farokh Engineer On Jasprit Bumrah’s Management

In the same conversation, Engineer also shared concerns over India’s star quick Jasprit Bumrah possibly sitting out of the second Test due to workload management.

"He is your trump card. He needs to be mothballed as he is far too precious for the Indian team. Hope he plays majority of the games,"

As India trails 0-1 in the series, losing the Headingley Test from a strong position, every match counts and so do the people watching from the stands and beyond.