Former India all-rounder Karsan Ghavri has strongly criticised the decision to rename the iconic Pataudi Trophy as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, calling it a disrespect to the legacy of the late Nawab of Pataudi, one of India's most revered cricketing figures. The trophy, which has long symbolised the Test rivalry between India and England, was contested under its new name for the first time during the recent five-match series that ended in a 2-2 draw.

Speaking on journalist Vicky Lalwani’s YouTube channel, Ghavri questioned how the renaming was even approved and expressed disappointment over what he sees as a disregard for Pataudi's historical significance.

“That is very wrong,” Ghavri said. “Look at the Australia–West Indies series — it’s always called the Frank Worrell Trophy. The India–Australia series is called the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If someone tried to rename that, Sunil Gavaskar would shake the whole country.”

Ghavri pointed fingers at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for not stepping in. “The BCCI should’ve put its foot down with the MCC and the ECB. Tiger’s name should not have been removed,” he said, referring to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi — affectionately known as ‘Tiger’ — who captained India and left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.

### **Ghavri Criticises Tendulkar for Not Opposing the Move Strongly Enough**

While it’s known that Sachin Tendulkar initially objected to the proposal to use his name, Ghavri was critical of the cricket icon for not doing more to prevent the change.

“When the idea was floated to rename the trophy after Tendulkar and Anderson, Sachin should have refused outright,” Ghavri said. “Raising an objection is one thing, but he should have put his foot down and said: ‘No, I don’t want my name on this trophy. Tiger Pataudi’s name is already there — he’s a legend of Indian cricket.’”

Ghavri added that if the ICC or ECB wanted to honour Anderson and Tendulkar, they could have done so in other ways — like naming medals or player awards after them — while preserving the original name of the trophy. “This question should never have come up. You’re degrading someone who held great stature in Indian cricket,” he said.

### **A Historic Series Overshadowed by Controversy**

The name change came into effect during the recent England-India Test series, which was marked by competitive cricket on both sides. Shubman Gill, leading India for the first time in a full series, impressed with a staggering 754 runs in five matches. Mohammed Siraj led the bowling attack with 23 wickets across nine innings.

Despite the thrilling on-field action, the renaming of the trophy has stirred significant controversy — not just over the perceived snub to Pataudi, but also around the processes and people involved in allowing the change to happen.

As the debate continues, Ghavri’s comments have added fuel to an ongoing conversation about legacy, respect, and the role of cricketing icons in shaping the narrative of the game’s history.