ICC President Sharad Pawar pays tribute to Pataudi

International Cricket Council (ICC) President Sharad Pawar has paid tribute to Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, the former India captain, who died aged 70 on Thursday.

Pawar said: “On behalf of the International Cricket Council (ICC), I condole the passing of “Tiger” Pataudi who was one of India’s greatest, most charismatic and flamboyant captains. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi was a man of exceptional talent who turned out to be an inspiration to millions of cricketers, not only in India but across the globe. It was an honour and privilege to have known him."

Pawar further said: “Mansur Ali Khan became a true darling of India cricket due to his on the field heroics and off the field easy manners. After retirement, he maintained his close association with the game in different capacities, including as a commentator. Whenever he shared his views on the game, they were taken seriously as they were considered to be coming right from the bottom of the heart of one of India’s greatest servants of the game. He will be sorely missed.”

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “I was sad to learn of the demise of India’s iconic former Test captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. I had grown up as a young cricketer hearing about his achievements and had only met him for the first time during The Oval Test on 22 August where he had come to present the Pataudi Trophy to the England team while I presented Andrew Strauss with the Reliance ICC Test Championship mace."

“During the Test, I had the privilege of discussing with him the past, present and future of Test and 50-over cricket. It was absolutely fascinating to hear his views and confidence in these formats,” Lorgat added.

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi represented India in 46 Tests, 40 as captain, between 1961 and 1975. A Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1968, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi scored 2,793 runs at an average of 35 and included six centuries. He also served as an ICC match referee in two Tests and 10 ODIs between1993 and 1996.