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“Never Disrespected Seniors” Tendulkar Protects Pataudi Legacy Amid Trophy Renaming Row

Aakash Saini

Sachin Tendulkar and Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi [Source: @Shebas_10dulkar, @IndoIslamicPage/x]Sachin Tendulkar and Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi [Source: @Shebas_10dulkar, @IndoIslamicPage/x]

Sachin Tendulkar has given his take over the renaming of the Pataudi Trophy into Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series in England. The first edition of the Pataudi Trophy took place in 2007, to celebrate 75 years of England vs India cricket, and it is awarded to the winner of the Test series that takes place in England between the two sides.

The trophy was after former Indian captain Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who remains the only cricketer to date to have played Test matches for both India and England. However, after a mutual agreement between the BCCI and the ECB, the trophy has now been renamed to Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, after Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, Test cricket’s leading run-maker and most successful fast bowler respectively.

Tendulkar Reveals Role In Keeping Pataudi Legacy Alive

Sachin Tendulkar has confirmed that he contacted Jay Shah as well as BCCI and ECB officials, requesting them to keep the Pataudi legacy alive in some manner. Tendulkar revealed that upon hearing his view, the boards decided to award the ‘Pataudi Medal of Excellence’ to the winning captain of the Tendulkar-Anderson series.

During an exclusive interview with Revsportz, the former Indian cricketer said:

“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.”

Sachin Tendulkar also added that he feels humbled to find his name alongside that of James Anderson for the coveted England vs India trophy. However, he stated that he does not want to disrespect his seniors, and revealed that he instantly called the Pataudi family, ensuring them that he will make sure to keep the legacy of the late Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi alive in some manner.

“In every way I feel humbled that the trophy was named after Jimmy Anderson who has been one of the greatest players to play for England and myself. But again I repeat, I’d never show disrespect to my seniors and that’s why I did what I did and spoke to the Pataudi family to make sure that the Pataudi name also continues to be a part of this series.”

Nonetheless, the first edition of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy will launch from Friday, June 20 onwards. The first match between India and hosts England will be played at Headingley in Leeds, and the series also launches the 2025-27 WTC cycle for both sides.