In 2007, to mark 75 years since India played its first Test cricket match (against England at Lord’s in June 1932), the Pataudi Trophy was created. This trophy is given to the winner of the Test cricket series between England and India played in England. For the series played in India, there is a different trophy called the Anthony S De Mello Trophy, named after one of the founders of the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The Pataudi Trophy was named after the father and son duo – Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (also known as Tiger). Iftikhar played cricket for both England and India, while Tiger was India’s youngest Test captain. The naming of the trophy was a thoughtful way to honor their contribution to cricket and to show the shared history between England and India.
Iftikhar Ali Khan was a proud player who stood up for his beliefs, even refusing to follow unfair orders during the Bodyline series in Australia in 1932-33. He played three Test matches for England and three for India, all as captain, over almost 14 years. His son Tiger, educated in England, was one of India’s best batsmen and fielders. He also helped unite the Indian cricket team, breaking regional differences and building team spirit.
Both father and son made great contributions to cricket, not just for India but for the game worldwide. That’s why naming the trophy after them was fitting.
Now, the Pataudi Trophy is being replaced. Soon, the series in England will be played for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, named after two modern cricket legends – James Anderson, England’s greatest fast bowler, and Sachin Tendulkar, India’s greatest batsman. Both are incredible players who deserve respect and honor. But should their recognition come at the cost of forgetting the Pataudis?
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One reason given for the change is to make the rivalry more relatable for younger fans. But what happens in the future? Will the trophy name keep changing every few years? Changing names like this might make young fans forget the legends who helped shape the sport.
It is important for cricket authorities, players, and fans to remember and teach the history of the game. Assuming young fans don’t care about the past is wrong and shortsighted.
The decision to rename the trophy has upset many. Sharmila Tagore, Tiger’s wife, called the change ‘insensitive.’ Cricket great Sunil Gavaskar criticized it strongly, saying it shows a lack of respect for the Pataudi family’s contributions. He hopes any Indian player asked to play for the new trophy will politely refuse.
It’s unclear what Sachin Tendulkar thinks about all this.
