Plaque honours Oxford and India cricket legend

A plaque in honour of Oxford and India cricketing legend 'Tiger' Pataudi was unveiled in the University pavilion today as Pataudi's family visited the University.

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, nicknamed 'Tiger', studied Arabic and French at Balliol College and famously scored centuries in three consecutive first-class matches for the Blues. Despite losing an eye in a car accident, he went on to captain India on numerous tours between 1961 and 1974. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1968 and died aged 70 on 22 September 2011.

A plaque was installed on the wall of the historic pavilion in the University Parks.

His family visited the University today, where they were welcomed by Chancellor Lord Patten and Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Hamilton. In attendance were Pataudi's widow Sharmila Tagore, eldest son Saif Ali Khan and his fiancé Kareena Kapoor, daughter Saba Ali Khan, daughter and Oxford alumna Soha Ali Khan and her partner Kunal Khemu. Ms Saba Ali Khan is a jewellery designer and the others are renowned actors.

They had lunch at Balliol College, visited the Ashmolean Museum where they explored the India collection including the gallery of Mughal paintings, and watched the 160th anniversary match of the Harlequins – the club for former Oxford cricketing Blues.

Andrew Thomas, head of development (sport) at the University, said: 'We are delighted to honour a legend in Oxford and India by installing a permanent plaque in the University’s historic cricket pavilion in the Parks.'