Former Indian cricketers have openly criticized the renaming of the Pataudi Trophy to the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series in England. The decision, made to honor Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson — the highest run-getter and wicket-taker in the format among the two nations — has sparked backlash from those who felt the original name held historic significance. Previously, the trophy was named after Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and his son, former Indian captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi.

Saad Bin Jung, former first-class cricketer and a member of the Pataudi family, expressed deep disappointment. Speaking to Mid-Day, he said,

“It’s baffling to see a cricketer permitting a trophy to be taken away from a former Indian Test captain and renamed in his own honor. This reflects a total disregard for the cricketing community and his seniors in the game.”

He further added, “It speaks volumes about how far people are willing to go for recognition — any form of fame, even if it means overshadowing those who led Indian cricket before them. In doing so, you’ve lost all respect in my eyes and in the eyes of the entire cricket fraternity,” he added.

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Former India player Yajuvendra Singh echoed similar sentiments, slamming the decision to scrap the historic title.

“It is ridiculous to retire the Pataudi Trophy. Tiger, to me, was one of the greatest Indian cricketers to play the game. He led India for over a decade and played with one eye — that’s greatness personified! I can’t imagine a single international cricketer performing the way he did at the highest level. Milburn, Ranji, and many others tried and failed. The BCCI should have stepped in before the proposal came from the England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB].”

Former India spinner Venkatapathy Raju has also weighed in on the controversy, stating that replacing the Pataudi Trophy was not necessary. Raju, who represented India in 81 international matches, said (via Mid-Day):

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“Sachin Tendulkar is the highest run-scorer and Anderson the highest wicket-taker [against India], so maybe that was the reasoning behind this decision, but discarding the Pataudi Trophy entirely feels unnecessary.”

The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy is scheduled to be unveiled ahead of the first Test between India and England, which begins at Headingley in Leeds on June 20.