In a recent development that touches on history, diplomacy, and the ceremonial aspects of international cricket, a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official has confirmed that the board has formally requested the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to name one of the post-match trophies in the upcoming India-England Test series after the legendary Pataudi family. While the final decision rests with the host board, the move underlines India’s intent to honour a cricketing legacy that spans both nations.
“It’s the ECB who decides on whom they want to name their series. The BCCI has no role in it as it’s their home series. We have requested them to name one of the post-match trophies on Pataudi,” the official stated.
The Pataudi name holds historical weight in both Indian and English cricket. Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, the Nawab of Pataudi Senior, played for England before India’s independence and later represented India as well. His son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, widely regarded as one of India’s finest captains, played a pivotal role in shaping Indian Test cricket in the 1960s, instilling a sense of competitiveness and belief in an emerging team.
Currently, the India-England Test series held in India is played for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after one of the founding members of the BCCI. When the series is hosted in England, no specific naming convention has been consistently adopted, though the Pataudi Trophy was introduced in 2007 to commemorate 75 years of cricketing ties between the two nations. However, the name hasn’t been used uniformly since then.
The BCCI’s request signals a desire to establish a consistent and respectful homage to a shared cricketing heritage. By suggesting the Pataudi name, the Indian board is emphasizing the unique and rare contribution of a family that has left an imprint on both sides. It is also a nod to maintaining continuity and tradition in the ceremonial aspect of cricket, which has always placed value on trophies named after iconic figures.
As of now, there has been no formal confirmation from the ECB regarding whether they will accept the BCCI’s proposal. Historically, the ECB has exercised complete autonomy over naming rights for their home series, much like all cricket boards do. Nonetheless, the Indian request places the ball in the English board’s court and opens the door for a gesture that could further strengthen the long-standing cricketing relationship between the two nations.
If accepted, naming the post-match trophy after Pataudi would not only honour a cross-continental cricketing figure but also bring a level of consistency and historical respect to the India-England bilateral rivalry. The series itself is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in international cricket, and such a move would be a symbolic way to celebrate the legacy of those who helped shape it.
As discussions continue behind the scenes, cricket fans and historians alike will await the ECB’s response. Whether the name is adopted or not, the BCCI effort highlights a deep respect for history and a desire to keep the memory of the game’s pioneers alive in today’s fast-evolving cricketing landscape.
For more news updates and videos, subscribe to 12B Sports India Youtube .