Sachin Tendulkar speaks out, urges ECB to reconsider retiring the Pataudi Trophy: Reports

India and England are gearing up to clash for the newly proposed Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, with their five-match Test series kicking off on Friday, June 20, at Headingley. The England and Wales Cricket Board had earlier announced plans to rename the historic Pataudi Trophy in honour of James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. However, the announcement stirred debate, with many cricketing voices questioning the rationale behind sidelining the Pataudi legacy.

Sachin Tendulkar steps in, urges ECB to restore the Pataudi legacy in the India vs England series

As criticism mounts over the move of ECB to retire the Pataudi Trophy, Sachin Tendulkar has reportedly intervened. The Indian legend, who has been honoured by the English board by naming the Trophy after him, has prompted both the ECB and the BCCI to reconsider their stance. The legendary Indian batter is believed to have reached out to officials from both boards, expressing his wish to preserve the Pataudi name in some form going forward.

Earlier report suggested that the BCCI also approached ECB, urging the board to keep the Pataudi legacy intact in some way or another. Now, the latest report has informed that along with Tendulkar, the ICC Chairman Jay Shah has also played a significant role in the process. According to sources, he advocated for maintaining the symbolic weight of the Pataudi legacy in India vs England Test series.

Now, in what appears to be a compromise, the authorities are expected to introduce a commemorative medallion dedicated to the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. This honour is likely to be presented to the winning captain of the bilateral series going forward. The motivation behind the ECB’s push to rebrand the trophy remains unclear. Since 2007, the Pataudi Trophy has symbolised the cricketing rivalry between India and England when the latter hosted the series. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, one of Indian cricket’s most revered figures, became the country’s youngest Test captain at just 21. 

"Yes, there is a confirmed plan to retain the Pataudi link in the England-India series," an ECB official has reportedly informed.

While Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson remain revered names in the sport, ECB's move has attracted stern criticism. Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar also spoke against dropping the Pataudi name from the India vs England series. Moreover, calls were made for the likes of BCCI and Sachin Tendulkar to approach the ECB to reconsider the move. The calls seem to have been heard, as the Indian cricket board and the legend himself have taken a stand against dropping the Pataudi legacy from the bilateral series.