Sharmila Tagore wants BCCI to recognise India-England series as Pataudi Trophy
According to some sources, the BCCI is happy to call it The Pataudi Trophy, but it will not have his children or wife give away the Cup to the winner as the family is not supporting the series monetarily.
Sharmila Tagore, actor and wife of Late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, has written to the BCCI President N Srinivasan, asking him to make the Pataudi Trophy (India-England series) official.
"As you are aware, next week India-England test series begins. I am given to understand ECB has already written to BCCI requesting to make the trophy official. You will recall my previous mail to you where I had mentioned our disappointment at the close of the test series at the Oval and had urged you to take the matter forward and formalise the trophy."
"You had assured me that you have told the people concerned to take it forward. Please note that this correspondence is almost a year old. Now, since there is very little time before the start of the series, I am hoping you will act on this matter soon and inform me about your decision at your earliest," Mrs Tagore wrote to Mr Srinivasan. (Also watch full video below: Sharmila speaks to NDTV, says all she wants is a clarification, not a controversy)
According to some sources, the BCCI is happy to call it The Pataudi Trophy, but it will not have his children or wife give away the Cup to the winner. (Update: BCCI replies, says series will be played for Anthony De Mello Trophy)
Mrs Tagore also questioned the delay in instituting the BCCI Annual Lecture in Tiger Pataudi's name. "About the same time you had informed me of the BCCIs decision to institute a memorial lecture in the name of Tiger Pataudi. You were aiming for December 2011 at that time. Since we are nearing December 2012, I was wondering if BCCI has changed their mind or if it has been delayed for some reason. Along with me, my family and friends are hopeful that this lecture will be instituted this year."
She also requested the BCCI to resolve the legal matters between her late husband and the Board. She said that while she was told by Prof Ratnakar Shetty and a BCCI lawyer that the cricket board wanted to resolve the issues, nothing concrete has been done.
"I was told by Prof. Shetty that BCCI wants to resolve the issue and Ms. Akhila Premkumar, a lawyer representing the organisation spoke to me several times and reiterated the same. Last time I spoke to her she hinted that she did not have any concrete instructions from the high command to take the matter forward. It would be good to know what you think is the best way forward," she said.
"I would be greatly obliged if you kindly reflect on the above issues and share your present thoughts on the same. Since all these issues are urgent and a lot of time has been lost, a quick response will be highly appreciated, in particular about the Pataudi trophy," she added.