Gavaskar Urges Indian Cricketers to Reject ECB’s Offer After Pataudi Trophy Retirement Decision

Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for their decision to retire the Pataudi Trophy ahead of the upcoming India vs England Test series. He also issued a passionate appeal to Indian players, urging them to reject any offer by the ECB to rename the series after them, citing the lack of respect shown to the Pataudi family and their contribution to cricket.

Gavaskar Unhappy with ECB’s Decision

In a powerful column written for Sportstar, Gavaskar described the ECB’s move as “disturbing” and “insensitive”, especially given the historical significance of the Pataudi Trophy. First introduced in 2007 to mark 75 years of India-England bilateral Test cricket, the trophy honors Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, a legendary figure in Indian cricket and a symbol of excellence in the sport.

Gavaskar questioned the ECB’s decision to retire a trophy named after such a revered cricketer, pointing out that cricket boards rarely discontinue trophies that honor legendary players.

“The recent news that the ECB is going to retire the Pataudi Trophy, given to the winners of the Test series between England and India in England, is disturbing indeed. This is the first time one has heard of a trophy named after individual players being retired, though the decision is entirely the ECB’s, and the BCCI may well have been informed,” Gavaskar wrote in Sportstar.

“It shows a total lack of sensitivity to the contribution made by the Pataudis to cricket in both England and India. There may well be a new trophy named after more recent players, and here’s hoping that if an Indian player has been approached, he will have the good sense to politely decline — not only out of respect for two former India captains but also to avoid the same fate of having a trophy named after him retired after he is gone,” he added.

Warning to Indian Cricketers

Gavaskar went on to advise Indian cricketers to decline any offer from the ECB to name the new trophy after them.

“If an Indian player has been approached, I hope he will have the good sense to politely decline — not only out of respect for two former India captains but also to avoid the same fate of having a trophy named after him retired after he is gone,” Gavaskar wrote.

He emphasized the risk of history repeating itself and said that the BCCI should stand firm to preserve the legacy of its former greats.

Saif Ali Khan and Sharmila Tagore Informed

The ECB has reportedly reached out to Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, son of the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, to communicate their decision. Saif’s mother and Pataudi’s wife, Sharmila Tagore, also reacted, confirming that the ECB had sent a formal notification.

“If the BCCI wants to or does not want to remember Tiger’s legacy, it is for them to decide,” Tagore told Hindustan Times.

Gavaskar’s Statement on ECB Rights

While Gavaskar acknowledged that the ECB is within its rights to rename the trophy after one of their own cricketers, he reiterated that Indian players should not participate in a move that disrespects the contribution of the Pataudi family to Indian and world cricket.

“The ECB is fully entitled to name the trophy after one of their own players, but I hope Indian cricketers will be smart enough to reject the offer,” he wrote.

Test Series Schedule: India vs England 2025

Match	Date	Venue
1st Test	June 20	Leeds
2nd Test	June 28	Birmingham
3rd Test	July 6	Lord’s
4th Test	July 14	Manchester
5th Test	July 31	The Oval

Background on Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi

Mansoor Ali Khan, fondly known as “Tiger Pataudi”, played 46 Tests for India, scoring 2,793 runs at an average of 34.91. He was one of India’s youngest captains and is widely credited with instilling a competitive mindset in Indian cricket during the 1960s and 70s.

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