Patoudi Medal to Honor Winning Captain in India-England Cricket Series

Introduction to the Series and Patoudi Medal

A five-match cricket series between India and England is set to commence on June 20, with the winning captain being awarded the prestigious Patoudi Medal. This initiative aims to preserve the legacy of the royal family within the cricketing rivalry between the two nations.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had previously decided to rename the Patoudi Trophy to the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. This change was supposed to be officially announced during the World Test Championship final at Lord's last week, but the announcement was postponed due to a tragic Air India plane accident in Ahmedabad.

Controversy Surrounding the Trophy Name Change

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar and several other cricket personalities criticized the decision to rename the trophy. Reports indicate that Sachin Tendulkar personally reached out to the ECB, advocating for the Patoudi name to remain a part of the India-England cricket narrative. ICC Chairman Jay Shah also played a role in this discussion.

According to a source from the BCCI, when the ECB made the decision to change the trophy's name, Tendulkar contacted them, emphasizing that the Patoudi name should continue to be associated with the rivalry. The ECB agreed to this request and decided to present the Patoudi Medal to the winning captain.

Official Announcement and Historical Significance

Due to the previously scheduled events not taking place, the formal announcement regarding the trophy's name change will occur on June 19, just a day before the series opener in Leeds. Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in Test cricket, while Anderson is recognized as the leading fast bowler in terms of wickets taken.

The Patoudi family has a rich history in India-England cricket, with Iftikhar Ali Khan Patoudi and his son Mansoor both having captained India and played county cricket in England for extended periods.