Sachin Tendulkar steps to save Pataudi heritage in India-England Test rivalry

Sachin Tendulkar has stepped in to ensure that the legacy of Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi isn’t forgotten. After the India–England Test series was renamed the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, the decision to retire the Pataudi Trophy upset many, including the cricketing fraternity and Pataudi’s family.

Tendulkar, however, has now personally requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to find a way to keep the Pataudi name alive in the series. It’s quite a gesture from the cricket legend whose name was supposed to be at the forefront.

Tendulkar makes his stand clear

According to a Cricbuzz report, the Indian cricket legend personally spoke to senior officials from both the BCCI and ECB, urging them to find a way to preserve the Pataudi name within the context of the bilateral rivalry. Tendulkar, who has lent his name to the new trophy alongside James Anderson, felt it was important not to erase the contribution of a man who remains the only cricketer to have played for both India and England.

His request, it seems, has been accepted. Both boards have agreed to retain the Pataudi legacy in some form, potentially as a medallion for the best player or an award to the winning captain. The details are still being finalised.

No Trophy ceremony during 1st ENG vs IND Test

Moreover, plans to unveil the new trophy at the WTC Final on June 14 were scrapped due to the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, delaying the announcement. “Given the tragic events in India, the announcement may wait a while out of respect (for the lives lost),” a high-ranked ECB official told Cricbuzz on Saturday. Both the BCCI and ECB officials are deciding on a flexible new date. “The BCCI are still deciding on the right time for the announcement. The announcement had been kept flexible due to the tragedy,” the ECB official further said.