Pataudi Trophy row: Engineer criticises ECB, calls medal a mere afterthought
Former India wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer has expressed sturdy disappointment over the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) resolution to rename the India-England Take a look at sequence trophy from the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Engineer, a detailed pal of the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, referred to as the transfer “disrespectful” and described the newly launched Pataudi Medal for the profitable captain as a mere afterthought to appease supporters like him.
The ECB had launched the Pataudi Trophy in 2007 for the Take a look at sequence performed in England between India and England. Nevertheless, forward of the continued five-match sequence, the title was modified to honour two modern-day greats-Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson. The choice has been met with criticism from a number of quarters, together with legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.
Talking to PTI, Engineer mentioned, “Properly, Tiger Pataudi was a terrific pal of mine. Nice colleague of mine. We performed a variety of Take a look at cricket. Nice heritage, nice household. I used to be most pleased when the trophy was named after him again in 2007.”
“On one hand I used to be very upset that the Pataudi title was eliminated. I’d love Tiger’s title to go on however as an alternative powers that be determined with Anderson and Sachin who’re legends of the sport.”
Whereas acknowledging the stature of each Tendulkar-the highest run-getter in Take a look at cricket-and Anderson-the most profitable quick bowler when it comes to wickets-Engineer pressured that Pataudi’s legacy deserved to be preserved.
“It (introducing the Pataudi medal) was clearly an afterthought, they need to have introduced it at first. That will have extra credibility, however no less than they’ve carried out one thing. Widespread sense has prevailed and I hope the Pataudi title all the time stays.”
Engineer additionally revealed that the Pataudi Medal was launched after Tendulkar requested the ECB to take action. The medal, now named the Pataudi Medal, will probably be awarded to the profitable captain of the Take a look at sequence.
“That should be a second option to appease a variety of Pataudi supporters of which I’m one, however you may’t blame them for naming the trophy after Sachin and Anderson.”
The previous wicketkeeper-batter additionally underlined the Pataudi household’s deep-rooted ties with each English and Indian cricket. He mentioned that whereas the state of affairs stays debatable, a level of stability has been restored with the introduction of the medal. He additional urged the ECB to incorporate Pataudi’s household within the ceremonial points.
“I hope they name Sharmila Tagore and Saif Ali Khan to current the medal, which they haven’t carried out earlier than. That will give them the due credit score they deserve.”
England at present leads the sequence 1-0. The second Take a look at will start on July 2.
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