ECB and BCCI Honour Tendulkar’s Request, Retain Pataudi Name in New Trophy

Sachin Tendulkar has stepped in to ensure that Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi’s legacy is not forgotten. After the India–England Test series was renamed the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, many people including cricketers and Pataudi’s family were upset about the Pataudi Trophy being dropped. However, Tendulkar has now personally asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to find a way to keep the Pataudi name part of the series. It’s a thoughtful move by the cricket legend, especially since it’s his name that was meant to take centre stage.

As per a Cricbuzz report, Tendulkar personally reached out to senior officials from both the BCCI and ECB, asking them to find a way to keep the Pataudi name as part of the India–England rivalry. Even though the new trophy now carries his name alongside James Anderson’s, Tendulkar felt it was only right to honour Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi — the only cricketer to have played for both nations.

It looks like Tendulkar’s request has been accepted. Both the BCCI and ECB have agreed to preserve the Pataudi legacy in some way possibly through a special medallion for the best player or an award for the winning captain. The final details are still being worked out.

Trophy Renaming Ceremony at WTC Final Postponed After Air India Tragedy

According to a Cricbuzz report, the trophy-naming ceremony was originally planned for Saturday (June 14), during the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s. However, both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) jointly decided to cancel the event out of respect for the tragic plane crash in India. “Given the tragic events in India, the announcement may wait a while out of respect for the lives lost,” a senior ECB official told Cricbuzz. Officials from both boards are now working on finding a new, flexible date for the announcement.

The crash of Air India flight AI-171 near Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday (June 12) claimed over 275 lives, including 241 passengers. It is being called one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history. The launch of the newly renamed trophy was fully planned for Saturday, and invitations had already been sent to key figures such as Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson. But given the tragic events, the decision to postpone the ceremony was made at the last minute.

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