Farokh Engineer, former India wicketkeeper and close friend of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, has criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for its handling of the renaming of the India-England Test series and the late introduction of the Pataudi Medal.
Pataudi Trophy replaced, backlash follows
Earlier this year, the ECB replaced the Pataudi Trophy—in place since 2007—with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, honoring James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. The decision drew widespread backlash, especially from those valuing cricket’s history and tradition.
“Tiger Pataudi was a great friend and colleague. We played a lot of Test cricket together. I was most happy when the trophy was named after him in 2007,” Engineer told PTI.
VIDEO | The ECB had instituted the Pataudi Trophy for the India-England series in 2007 until renaming it to the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy before the start of the ongoing five-match series. Here’s what former wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer (@Farokh_Engineer) said:
“Well… pic.twitter.com/8ayevkTZOB
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 30, 2025
“It was an afterthought” — Engineer on Pataudi Medal
The ECB later introduced a captain’s medal named after the Pataudi family, reportedly following Sachin Tendulkar’s intervention. Engineer criticized the timing, calling it a reactive measure: “It was obviously an afterthought. They should have announced it at the beginning. That would have had more credibility.”
Despite recognizing the efforts, he remained skeptical. “Common sense has prevailed and I hope the Pataudi name always remains,” he added.
Engineer acknowledges legends but questions decision-making
While appreciating the achievements of Tendulkar and Anderson, Engineer questioned the ECB’s priorities. “I was disappointed the Pataudi name was removed. I would love Tiger’s name to go on. But they decided on Sachin and Anderson, who are legends of the game.”
He added, “Naming the medal after the Pataudis is thoughtful but seems like an effort to appease supporters.”
Engineer urged the ECB to involve the Pataudi family directly: “I hope they invite Sharmila Tagore and Saif Ali Khan to present the medal. Last series they didn’t. Fingers were pointed for that.”
Engineer on Bumrah’s role in England series
India trail 0-1 in the five-Test series after a collapse at Headingley. With Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the second Test at Edgbaston on July 2 uncertain due to workload management, Engineer weighed in: “He is your trump card. He needs to be mothballed. Too precious for the Indian team. Hope he plays majority of the games.”
With the controversy still unfolding, Engineer’s words highlight the emotional significance of cricket’s heritage and the need for governing bodies like the ECB to manage symbolic traditions with greater sensitivity and foresight.
