Kapil Dev Expresses Surprise Over Renaming of Pataudi Trophy

India's Test Series in England and the Trophy Renaming

The Indian cricket team is currently in London for a five-match Test series against England. In a notable development, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) along with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to rename the trophy traditionally known as the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This decision has caught many cricket veterans off guard, including former World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, who has shared his thoughts on the matter.

Kapil Dev's Reaction to the Name Change

The Pataudi Trophy was established in 2007 to honor the legacy of former Indian captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. However, ahead of the 2025 series, this name is set to change. At an event in Tunbridge Wells celebrating his remarkable 175-run innings against Zimbabwe during the 1983 World Cup, Kapil Dev commented on the renaming, stating, “It feels a bit strange. Does something like this really happen? But it’s fine; everything goes on in cricket. After all, it doesn’t really matter. Cricket is cricket, and it should remain the same on the field.”

Historical Significance of the Pataudi Trophy

The Pataudi Trophy was named to honor Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who played county cricket in England before India's independence, and his son Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who also captained the Indian national team. This trophy was introduced in 2007 by the ECB and BCCI to recognize their contributions to cricket. Despite the renaming, the legacy of the Pataudi family will continue, as the winning captain will now receive the Pataudi Medal, ensuring that the name lives on in a new context.