Sachin Tendulkar speaks out on Anderson-Tendulkar trophy controversy: ‘I promised the Pataudi family I’ll do everything I can…’

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has finally spoken out about the controversy surrounding the Pataudi Trophy and the England Cricket Board’s decision to rename the India-England Test series as the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. While Tendulkar would have been proud to have such a prestigious series named after him, he expressed deep respect for the Pataudi family and their lasting contributions to Indian cricket. He has promised to do everything he can to ensure their legacy remains strong.

“First, the decision to retire the Pataudi Trophy was made by the BCCI and the ECB, and I was informed only after that,” Tendulkar told RevSportz. “The Pataudi family has given so much to Indian cricket. Pataudi senior played for both England and India, and Tiger Pataudi captained India with great distinction. Though I never saw them play, I’ve heard inspiring stories about them.”

He added that after learning of the decision, he reached out to the Pataudi family and then spoke with BCCI secretary Jay Shah and the ECB to find a way to keep the Pataudi legacy alive. “We agreed that the Pataudi name would still be linked with the series, and the winning captain would receive the Pataudi Medal of Excellence. I have always respected my seniors and did my best to make sure their legacy continues.”

The Pataudi Trophy was introduced in 2007, celebrating India’s historic second Test series win in England. The trophy commemorates the strong cricketing ties between the Pataudi family and the India-England rivalry. It was first awarded to the Indian team led by Rahul Dravid, with Tendulkar part of the squad, after their 1-0 series victory marking the 75th anniversary of the first India vs England Test in 1932.

News of the ECB retiring the Pataudi Trophy was met with widespread criticism from fans and former players alike, including vocal opposition from Sunil Gavaskar. After these reactions, the BCCI urged the ECB to create the Pataudi Medal for the winning captain to honor the family’s legacy.

England’s James Anderson, after whom the trophy is now partly named, welcomed the change. “It’s a huge honor. Sachin is someone I looked up to growing up — an absolute legend of the game,” Anderson told ESPNcricinfo. “To have this trophy named after us is something I couldn’t be prouder of.”

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy was originally scheduled to be unveiled last Saturday during the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia. However, the event was postponed out of respect following the tragic Air India plane crash in India that claimed many lives.

Tendulkar had stayed silent on the issue until just before the series begins this Friday in Headingley, finally addressing the controversy and expressing his hopes that the legacy of the Pataudi family would continue to be honored in the years to come.