The cricketing world was recently stirred by the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) decision to rename the Pataudi Trophy, awarded to the winner of the India-England Test series, to the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. This move, intended to honor two modern-day legends, Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson, was met with mixed reactions, with many questioning the need to move away from the Pataudi legacy. However, Sachin Tendulkar has stepped in and requested the BCCI and ECB to preserve the Pataudi legacy during the India-England Test series.

The Pataudi Trophy, named after the Pataudi family, was established in 2007 to celebrate the cricketing heritage shared between India and England. Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, also known as "Tiger" Pataudi, was a charismatic leader and one of India's greatest Test captains. The trophy served as a tribute to his contributions to Indian cricket.

The ECB's decision to rename the trophy sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it diminished the tribute to a true pioneer of Indian Test cricket. Sunil Gavaskar, a contemporary of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, expressed his disappointment, calling the decision "disturbing" and showing "a total lack of sensitivity to the contribution made by the Pataudis to cricket in both England and India."

In response to the backlash, Sachin Tendulkar reportedly approached the BCCI and ECB to find a way to keep the Pataudi link alive in the India-England Test series. According to a report in Cricbuzz, Tendulkar spoke to senior officials from both boards, and they agreed to his request. ICC Chair and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah also played a significant role in ensuring that Tendulkar's request was met.

As a compromise, the ECB is now considering naming a medallion after Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, which would be awarded to the winning captain of the series. An ECB official told Cricbuzz, "Yes, there is a confirmed plan to retain the Pataudi link in the England-India series. It is likely that the authorities will name a medallion in the name of the late MAK Pataudi, which will, in all likelihood, be given to the winning captain."

The move to rename the trophy has also affected other events. An event to officially rename the Pataudi Trophy to Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy was set to be held on the sidelines of the World Test Championship final on June 14, but it was postponed as a mark of respect to the people who lost their lives in a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. The BCCI and ECB are now looking for a new date to officially rename the series.

Tendulkar's intervention has been widely appreciated by cricket fans and historians, who believe it will preserve an important chapter of India-England Test history. By ensuring that the Pataudi name remains associated with the series, Tendulkar has shown respect for the legacy of one of India's most influential cricket figures. The India-England series is scheduled to begin on June 20 in Headingley.