It is for the boards to decide if they want to remember Tiger Pataudi's legacy or not: Wife Sharmila Tagore

Wife of former Indian skipper Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, actress Sharmila Tagore, recently reacted to reports of the England-India Test series in England not being referred to as the Pataudi Trophy from the upcoming series onwards. According to previous developments, the England and Wales Cricket Board have decided on 'retiring' the title of Pataudi Trophy from the next series to be played this year.

Sharmila was seemingly hurt by the call taken by the ECB. She entrusted the final call to be taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

"I haven't heard from them, but the ECB has sent a letter to Saif (Saif Ali Khan, actor and Sharmila and Mansur's son) 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," stated Sharmila in a conversation with Hindustan Times.

A representative of the ECB commented on the issue but maintained a neutral opinion on the same, saying "This is not something we'll be able to offer you a comment on."

The Pataudi Trophy was first awarded in 2007 to commemorate 75 years of the first Test played between India and England. Since that time, the bilateral red-ball series between the two nations in England has been played as the Pataudi Trophy. There have been five of those which have been played since the inaugural one since 2007. India emerged victorious in only one of them.

India are slated to head over to England for a five-match Test series later this year. The series is scheduled to commence on June 20. The final Test will be played from July 31. All the games are set to commence on 3:30 pm (IST).

Pataudi, popularly referred to as Tiger, led the nation in 40 of the 46 Tests he has played in. He registered a total of 2793 runs in 83 innings with a highest score of 203*. The middle-order batter is known to be one of India's greatest skippers, and one of the pioneers who led the rise of Indian cricket.

Also Read: ECB set to 'retire' Pataudi Trophy – India vs England Test series to get a new name?

Retiring a trophy is not all that common in cricket. However, a similar instance has gone down in the past. The Wisden Trophy played between England and West Indies was renamed to Richards-Botham Trophy.