Actor and author Soha Ali Khan has expressed her disappointment over reports suggesting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering retiring the Pataudi Trophy — a prestigious award named in honour of her late father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. It was awarded during India-England Test series. Speaking from the heart, Soha said it’s upsetting to think that a trophy honouring her father’s legacy could be shelved. Talking to Zoom, Soha said, “For us, it is disappointing that they are considering or have chosen to retire the Pataudi trophy because I think that my father’s contribution to Indian cricket has been immense and in some form, I feel that it is important to recognise the contribution of the people in early years, especially somebody like him, who really inculcated the sense of Indian-ness and oneness and a sense of pride, winning the first overseas test and things like that.” The actress added, “I think he should be remembered in some form, in some way and hopefully the BCCI will consider some other way of doing that, if not this.” Earlier Sharmila Tagore had also spoke out against the decision. She had said that she was hurt by BCCI’s decision of retiring the Pataudi trophy. She shared with Hindustan Times, “I haven’t heard from them, but the ECB has sent a letter to Saif 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.” Reacting to reports that the trophy may be retired, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, in his column for Sportstar, had also criticised the move, stating it “shows a total lack of sensitivity to the contribution made by the Pataudis to cricket in both England and India.” The Pataudi Trophy is named in honour of Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, a rare cricketer who represented both England and India in Test matches — a feat he achieved on three occasions. His legacy was carried forward by his son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who not only played for India but also led the national team as captain.