Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev is puzzled by the decision to change the name of the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently renamed the prize—given to the winner of every Test series played in England between India and England—to honour fast‑bowler James Anderson and batting great Sachin Tendulkar.
Read more: No disrespect to Anderson and Tendulkar, but renaming the Pataudi Trophy isn’t right
“It feels a little strange … but that’s okay. Cricket on the field stays the same,” Kapil said at an event marking the 42nd anniversary of his famous 175* against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup.
Why some former players are upset
- The Pataudi Trophy was created in 2007 and named after former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi.
- Both Mansur and his father Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi captained India and played county cricket in England.
- Ex‑India skipper Sunil Gavaskar called the change “disturbing.”
Pataudi name not gone entirely
Although the main trophy has been renamed, the ECB says a special Pataudi Medal will still be awarded to the captain of the winning team to honour the family legacy.
Remembering Kapil’s iconic knock
June 18 also marks 42 years since Kapil’s unbeaten 175 runs at Tunbridge Wells, where he rescued India from 17 for 5 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, a turning point in India’s path to eventually lifting the trophy.
Kapil Dev and other former players respect Anderson and Tendulkar but feel the original name carried important history that should have remained.
