Sachin Tendulkar has finally addressed the controversy surrounding the renaming of the Pataudi Trophy, the trophy awarded to the winner of the Test series between India and England. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) decided to rename the trophy the "Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy," honoring Tendulkar and James Anderson. This decision led to considerable backlash, with many feeling that the Pataudi legacy, honoring the contribution of the Pataudi family to Indian cricket, should have been maintained.
Tendulkar revealed that he was informed of the decision after it had been made by the BCCI and ECB. He stated that he understood the significance of the Pataudi family's contribution, acknowledging Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (Tiger Pataudi)'s distinction as captain.
"Let me then tell you the full thing. First things first, the decision to retire the trophy rested with the BCCI and the ECB. Only after they had taken the decision did they communicate that to me," Tendulkar said. "As far as the Pataudi family is concerned, I am conscious of the contribution they have made to Indian cricket. Pataudi senior played for England and for India, while Tiger Pataudi captained India with distinction. I did not see them play for I wasn't born, but I have indeed heard stories and those stories inspire us all."
Acknowledging the importance of the Pataudi legacy, Tendulkar said he immediately contacted the Pataudi family to discuss the matter. Following this, he reached out to Jay Shah, the ICC President and former BCCI Secretary, as well as the BCCI and ECB, to find a way to ensure the Pataudi name remained associated with the series.
"When I got to know, I called the (Pataudi) family and had a conversation. Thereafter, I spoke to Mr. Jay Shah, the BCCI and the ECB, and mentioned to them that something had to be done to ensure the legacy stayed on," Tendulkar revealed.
As a result of these discussions, it was decided that the winning captain of the series would be awarded the "Pataudi Medal of Excellence," ensuring the Pataudi legacy would continue to be recognized.
Tendulkar also explained his personal connection to England, highlighting his experiences playing cricket there, including being the first non-English cricketer to play for Yorkshire. He noted his first international century was at Old Trafford, which saved the match. Furthermore, he mentioned his mother-in-law is English, illustrating his strong ties to the country. He expressed humility that the trophy was named after him and James Anderson.
"Thereafter, my first international hundred was at Old Trafford, and was a match-saving one which kept the series alive. I was the first non-English cricketer to play for Yorkshire, where you are now. Also, my mother-in-law is English, so there is a family connection there as well. So, England was a very strong connection in my 24-year-long career, and as I said I also have an opposition supporter within my family! So in every way I feel humbled that the trophy was named after Jimmy Anderson who has been one of the greatest players to play for England and myself," Tendulkar said.
Sachin Tendulkar's intervention ensured that while the trophy bears the names of two modern legends, the contribution of the Pataudi family will continue to be honored, maintaining the link to the history of the India-England Test series. The first Test of the newly named Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy is scheduled to begin on June 20.
