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The cricketing world is abuzz with reports that the BCCI and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are considering retiring the Pataudi Trophy, an esteemed prize awarded to the winner of the Test cricket series between India and England. The decision, yet to be finalized, has reportedly left veteran actor Sharmila Tagore deeply disappointed.The Pataudi Trophy was first introduced in 2007 to commemorate 75 years since the first Test match between India and England in 1932.
Named in honor of legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and his father, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the trophy symbolizes the legacy of one of India's greatest cricketing families. Designed by renowned silver and goldsmith Jocelyn Burton, the trophy is a tribute to their immense contributions to the sport.Sharmila Tagore, wife of the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, expressed her sentiments after learning about the decision through her son, actor Saif Ali Khan.
According to her, the ECB sent an official letter to Saif, informing him of the move. While she has not personally heard from the cricket boards, she believes it is up to the BCCI whether they choose to remember Tiger Pataudi’s legacy or not. In an interview to the Hindustan Times, she said, If the BCCI wants to or does not want to remember Tiger’s (Mansoor Ali Khan) legacy, it is for them to decide.
Reports suggest she is ‘hurt’ by the development, as the trophy has been an enduring testament to her late husband’s impact on cricket.About Tiger PataudiMansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, affectionately known as ‘Tiger’ Pataudi, was a right-hand batsman and medium-pace bowler. A prodigious talent, he was regarded as one of the best fielders of his time by cricketing greats such as commentator John Arlott and former England captain Ted Dexter.
His career took a tragic turn when an accident in Hove permanently damaged his right eye, leaving him with double vision. However, his resilience saw him return to the game within six months, making his Test debut against England in 1961 and leading India to their first-ever series win against them.Tiger Pataudi and Sharmila TagoreThe union of cinema and cricket, two of India’s most cherished passions, was embodied in the marriage of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore in 1968.
They are parents to Saba Ali Khan and actors Saif and Soha Ali Khan. Decades later, the legacy of ‘Tiger’ Pataudi remains deeply etched in Indian cricket..
