Sachin Tendulkar has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the renaming of the India-England Test series from the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. While being honoured by the gesture, Tendulkar emphasized his deep respect for the Pataudi family’s lasting legacy in Indian cricket. “Yes, I had stayed silent. Let me now share the full picture,” he told RevSportz. Tendulkar clarified that the decision to rename the trophy was taken independently by the BCCI and ECB, and only then was it communicated to him. “I’m fully aware of the Pataudi family’s contribution. Nawab of Pataudi Sr. played for both England and India, while Tiger Pataudi led India with distinction. Though I never saw them play, their legacy is one that continues to inspire.”
Determined to protect that legacy, Tendulkar reached out to the Pataudi family to express his sentiments. Following this, he held discussions with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and officials from both cricket boards. “I made it clear that something must be done to preserve the Pataudi name,” he said. As a result of these conversations, it was decided that while the series would carry the Anderson-Tendulkar name, the Pataudi Medal of Excellence would be awarded to the winning captain, ensuring the family’s enduring connection to the historic series. Tendulkar reaffirmed, “I’ve always respected my seniors and did everything possible to ensure that the Pataudi legacy remains part of this series.”
The Pataudi Trophy, introduced in 2007 during India’s victorious Test series in England, was created to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the first-ever India-England Test in 1932. It became symbolic of the deep cricketing ties and history shared between the two nations, especially through the Pataudi lineage. When news broke about the ECB’s move to retire the trophy, it sparked widespread backlash from fans and cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar. Following the outrage, the BCCI urged the ECB to ensure the Pataudi name remained involved. James Anderson, the other half of the newly named trophy, expressed his honour at being included and spoke highly of Tendulkar’s legacy in the sport.
