ECB to Rename Historic Pataudi Trophy, New Title yet to be Announced

In recent development around the Pataudi Trophy, ECB-England and Wales Cricket Board has decided to change the name of the trophy. The details around the names are yet to be made public and will likely be made official soon.  Following criticism the board received for discontinuation of the trophy, ECB will now retain the trophy and most likely rename it for the upcoming India-England tour.

About two months ago, the ECB had decided to retire the trophy named after India’s Pataudi, Mansur Ali Khan, and also informed the Pataudi family about the same decision, but the move didn’t sit well with anyone. Neither with the family members, nor with the legends of the game. The move also drew criticism from Sharmila Tagore, actress and wife of late Pataudi, who urged the BCCI to intervene in the matter and said, “If the BCCI wants to or does not want to remember Tiger’s legacy, it is for them to decide.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was reportedly thinking about renaming the Pataudi Trophy after two of the greatest Test cricketers ever — Sachin Tendulkar from India and James Anderson from England. Both have played the most Test matches for their countries. While it’s not clear if Tendulkar said no politely, the idea itself shows the respect both players have earned over the years.

What is the Pataudi Trophy?

The Pataudi Trophy is awarded to the winners of the Test Cricket series between England and India. The trophy was first awarded in the year 2007 to celebrate 75 years since the first test match between the two sides and India won it for the first time since its commemoration.

The trophy is named after the Pataudi cricketing family. It celebrates a rare father-son duo in the sport. Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi laid the foundation of matches between the nations and is the only cricketer to play test matches for both England and India. His son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, later led the Indian team in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the trophy is awarded to the winner of the 5 test match series between the two nations and is a tribute to the Pataudi family’s lasting impact on the game.

In India, the Test Series between England and India is played for the Anthony de Mello Trophy. Some efforts have been made to use the Pataudi Trophy and prize in both countries ,but it hasn’t been changed yet.

pic.twitter.com/1dprBnr0X5

— Birdman (@kingbirdman22) May 27, 2025