Former India captain criticizes decision as disrespectful to cricketing legacy
Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for its decision to retire the Pataudi Trophy, calling the move “disturbing” and showing a “total lack of sensitivity” to the historic contributions of the Pataudi family to both English and Indian cricket.
The Pataudi Trophy, awarded since 2007 to the winner of Test series between India and England in England, will reportedly be replaced — a move that has sparked backlash from fans and now, one of India’s most respected voices.
Gavaskar defends the Pataudi legacy
In a column for Sportstar, Gavaskar expressed disappointment and frustration at the ECB’s decision.
“The recent news that the ECB is going to retire the Pataudi Trophy… is disturbing indeed,” Gavaskar wrote. “This is the first time one has heard of a trophy named after individual players being retired… It shows a total lack of sensitivity to the contribution made by the Pataudis to cricket in both England and India.”
The Pataudi family holds a rare place in cricket history: Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi played Test cricket for both England and India, while his son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, captained India in 40 Tests and is widely credited with transforming India into a modern, competitive side.
Calls for restraint from Indian players
With speculation that a new trophy could be named after a more recent Indian cricketer, Gavaskar cautioned
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
