Saif Ali Khan honours Tiger Pataudi at Winchester College plaque ceremony

Actor Saif Ali Khan paid tribute to his father, the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, known as Tiger Pataudi, at a ceremony held at Winchester College on Saturday, 13 June. Saif, who is also an alumnus of the institution, attended the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the college’s historic cricket pavilion, Hunter Tent.

The ceremony was part of Wykeham Day, Winchester College’s annual summer celebration that brings together pupils, staff, families and alumni to mark the traditions of community, sport and cultural life associated with the institution for more than 600 years. The event recognised Tiger Pataudi’s legacy and his connection with the school.

Speaking at the event, Saif remembered his father’s early years in cricket at Winchester College and thanked the institution for honouring him. He said, “As a former pupil of Winchester College myself, it’s a great privilege to return here today to honour my father’s legacy. Winchester was where my father’s cricketing journey truly began. It was a place he spoke of with great affection, not only for the sport but for the



friendships, values and experiences that shaped him. Our family is immensely proud and grateful that Winchester College has chosen to honour him in this way. We hope this plaque will inspire future generations of pupils, just as Winchester inspired him.”

Sir Richard Stagg, Warden of Winchester College, said Tiger Pataudi remained one of the most distinguished figures in cricket and a source of pride for the college. He said Pataudi had been a cricketing prodigy at the school, where he broke the record for runs scored in a season that had been set by Douglas Jardine in 1919. Stagg added that Pataudi went on to become a leading cricketer and a leader of Indian cricket, and said it was fitting that the occasion also marked the enduring links between the United Kingdom and India and their shared love of the game.

Saif was recently seen in Kartavya, where his performance was well received by critics and viewers. He will next be seen in Haiwaan, directed by Priyadarshan, alongside Akshay Kumar. He is also set to appear in Netflix’s Hum Hindustani, which is slated for release later this year.