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Veteran Bollywood actor Sharmila Tagore has expressed her thoughts regarding reports suggesting that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are contemplating the retirement of the Pataudi Trophy.
Sharmila Tagore reveals ECB’s letter to Saif Ali Khan
The prestigious trophy, named in honour of her late husband and legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, has been awarded since 2007 to the winner of the India–England Test series held in England. The news of its potential retirement has stirred reactions from various quarters, and while no official confirmation has come from the BCCI, reports indicate that the ECB has already communicated the decision to Pataudi’s son, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan.
Reacting to this development, Sharmila conveyed her disappointment and stated that she had not received any direct communication but confirmed that Saif had been formally informed.
“I haven’t heard from them, but the ECB has sent a letter to Saif stating that they are retiring the trophy. If the BCCI wants to remember or disregard Tiger’s legacy, it is for them to decide,” Sharmila was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.
The history and significance of the Pataudi Trophy between India and England
The Pataudi Trophy was introduced in 2007 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first-ever Test match played between India and England in 1932. Since its inception, the trophy has been a symbolic representation of the cricketing rivalry between the two nations whenever they play a Test series in England.
However, it is crucial to note that when the two teams face off in India, the series is played for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after a former BCCI president. The distinction between the two trophies ensures that both cricketing boards have their own legacies preserved in the long-standing battle between these two historic cricketing powerhouses. If the Pataudi Trophy is indeed retired, it would mark the end of a significant chapter in India-England cricket history, removing a crucial link that honors the contributions of one of India’s greatest cricket captains.
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The legacy of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi
Pataudi, often hailed as one of India’s most charismatic and influential cricket captains, remains an integral figure in the history of Indian cricket. Leading India at the young age of 21, he revolutionized the team’s approach to the game, particularly in overseas conditions. Despite losing vision in one eye due to an accident, Pataudi’s remarkable resilience and leadership skills made him one of the most respected figures in the cricketing world. He played 46 Test matches for India, scoring 2,793 runs at an average of 34.91, with an unbeaten 203 as his highest score.
He recorded six centuries and sixteen half-centuries in his career. His ability to inspire the Indian team and elevate their performance, especially on foreign soil, played a significant role in laying the foundation for India’s future success in Test cricket. Pataudi passed away in 2011 due to complications from a lung infection, but his legacy continues to be celebrated by cricket lovers worldwide With the Indian team set to tour England for a five-Test series starting on June 20, 2025, all eyes are now on the BCCI and ECB for an official announcement regarding the fate of the Pataudi Trophy.
