The stage is set for a thrilling five-match Test series between India and England, starting June 20. Recently, there were reports that the cricket boards of both countries had decided to rename the Pataudi Trophy. The new name, Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, would honor cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson. However, it’s now clear that the ‘Pataudi’ name won’t be completely phased out.
According to a report by Rev Sports, officials from the BCCI and ECB wanted to keep the ‘Pataudi’ name associated with the series while also paying tribute to Tendulkar and Anderson. A source revealed that claims of disrespecting the Pataudi legacy are untrue. The report states, “Iftikhar and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi have played for both countries. Mansoor, also known as Tiger Pataudi, is one of India’s greatest captains, and his legacy will always be respected.”
The series aims to bridge the gap between history and the present. The Pataudi family has a rich cricketing heritage, with both Iftikhar and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi representing India and England. Iftikhar played six Test matches, scoring 199 runs, while Mansoor played 46 Tests, amassing 2,793 runs, including six centuries and 16 half-centuries.
An announcement is expected soon, and it’s likely that the series will retain the ‘Pataudi’ name while introducing the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. This move would ensure that the legacy of the Pataudi family continues to be celebrated, alongside the achievements of Tendulkar and Anderson. The stage is set for an exciting series, with the cricketing world eager to see the tribute to these legends unfold.