Kirmani launches autobiography ‘stumped’ in emotional Hyderabad event

Former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani launched his autobiography *Stumped* in Hyderabad, with tributes from cricket legends including Kapil Dev, Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, and VVS Laxman celebrating his inspiring career

Hyderabad: At 75, former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani touched the sentimental chords of the Hyderabadis at the launch of his autobiography “Stumped” in the city.

The event, put up thanks to the efforts of Telangana Minister for Labour and Employment and former president of Hyderabad Cricket Association Dr G Vivek, former India captain Mohd Azharuddin and the complete involvement of the Sania Mirza family, saw some of the big names of Indian cricket, including 1983 World Cup lead performer Mohinder Amarnath, former BCCI president N Shivlal Yadav, and India fast bowler Mohd Siraj, pay glowing tributes to the legendary wicketkeeper, who was also adjudged ‘best wicketkeeper’ of the 1983 World Cup, which India won under Kapil Dev.

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Syed Lutfi Hassan, honorary consul general of Guyana in the USA, and former India football captain Shabbir Ali were among those present.

“I have my roots in Hyderabad having studied in St Paul’s and All Saints. I have quite a few family members here and it is really an emotional moment for me to be here to launch my autobiography,” Kirmani said.

“This book should give you some insights into Indian cricket in those days and also some very interesting anecdotes,” he said.

He praised Siraj for his lion-hearted performances on the recent England tour and wished the fast bowler to develop into a complete all-rounder.

For his part, Amarnath said Kirmani always remained ‘Kiri miyaan’ for him, having played with him since school days. “We rarely see such an honest gentleman and this is reflected in the way he played the game,” he said.

Interestingly, Amarnath said that India put up a fine show in England recently but should have won the Test series 4-0.

Legend Sunil Gavaskar, in a video message, said Kirmani, being an integral part of Indian cricket’s success stories in the 70s and 80s, truly deserved this book and that he was always a team man to the core with a great sense of humour.

The 1983 World Cup-winning team captain Kapil Dev said that Kirmani was always his hero, and former India opener Krish Srikkanth too said the former wicketkeeper was a very friendly and helpful cricketer.

Azharuddin said that it was a privilege to host the event in honour of such an outstanding cricketer. “I had learnt a lot from Kiri bhai,” he said.

VVS Laxman said Kirmani was a great inspiration for generations and his career was all about character, courage and commitment.

Dr G Vivek reiterated the State government’s resolve to give sports a new direction.