Sharmila Tagore Reacts to BCCI & ECB’s Reported Decision to Retire Pataudi Trophy

However, the BCCI and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are allegedly considering retiring the Pataudi Trophy, a move that has drawn strong reactions from Sharmila Tagore.

However, the BCCI and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are allegedly considering retiring the Pataudi Trophy, a move that has drawn strong reactions from Sharmila Tagore.

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Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was a one-of-a-kind sportsman and personality. His marriage to Bollywood icon Sharmila Tagore in 1968 was a landmark moment in Indian celebrity culture, uniting cricket and cinema. However, recent reports suggest that the BCCI and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are allegedly considering retiring the Pataudi Trophy, a move that has drawn strong reactions from Sharmila Tagore.

The Pataudi Trophy, introduced in 2007, commemorates the first-ever Test match played between India and England in 1932. While no official announcement has been made yet, Sharmila expressed her concerns after her son, actor Saif Ali Khan, received an official letter from the ECB regarding the decision.

“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 or does not want to remember Tiger’s legacy, it is for them to decide,” Sharmila told Hindustan Times.

A Difficult Year for the Pataudi Family

This potential decision comes at a tough time for the Pataudi family. Just a few months ago, Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by an armed man while attempting to defend his family. Additionally, earlier this year, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed Saif to approach the appellate authority regarding the central government's decision to classify the Pataudi family's historic properties—worth an estimated ₹15,000 crore—as ‘enemy property’.

With no official statement from the BCCI yet, cricket fans and sports historians are awaiting further clarity on the future of the Pataudi Trophy.

About Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi

Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, fondly known as "Tiger", was one of India's greatest cricket captains. Born into the royal family of Pataudi in 1941, he overcame a career-threatening eye injury to become one of the most influential leaders in the sport. At just 21, he was named captain of the Indian cricket team, making him the youngest Test captain in history at the time.

Under his leadership, India secured its first-ever Test series win overseas against New Zealand in 1968. Known for his aggressive yet elegant batting style, Pataudi played 46 Test matches, scoring 2,793 runs, including six centuries. His fearless captaincy and strategic mindset laid the foundation for a more competitive Indian cricket team. Even after retirement, he remained a respected sports figure, continuing to contribute to Indian cricket.

Stay tuned for further updates on the Pataudi Trophy and BCCI’s final decision.