Kirmani to get lifetime Achievement Award

Former wicket-keeper batsman Syed Kirmani was today nominated for this year's Col. C.K. Nayudu lifetime Achievement Award.

The Awards Committee met today at Cricket Centre, BCCI headquarters– Mumbai and unanimously nominated Kirmani for Award for 2015, according to a BCCI release.

The committee consists of BCCI President Shashank Manohar, Secretary Anurag Thakur and N Ram, Editor – The Hindu.

The BCCI celebrates the birth centenary of Col. Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu, the country’s first Test captain, by instituting an annual lifetime Achievement Award, to honour individuals for their unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket, on and off the field.

The Award comprises a trophy, citation and cheque for Rs. 25 lakhs.

Kirmani, who made his Test debut in 1976 against New Zealand, kept wickets against India’s famous spin quartet and did the job remarkably well.

Having started his career as an understudy to Farokh Engineer, Kirmani took over the responsibility and added his charm to the role in a decade-long career. It was thanks to his tenacious approach that he scored two Test centuries in the lower order.

Against England in 1981–82, he did not concede a single bye in three consecutive Tests. Named the best keeper in the 1983 World Cup, it was Kirmani, who shared an unbeaten 126 runs partnership with Kapil Dev against Zimbabwe as the Indian captain went on to register one of India’s greatest wins at Tunbridge Wells.

Kirmani also provided solid support to Sunil Gavaskar in the unbroken 143-run stand for the ninth wicket as Gavaskar made 236 not out, the then top score by an Indian against West Indies in the sixth Test at home.

The Indian government awarded him the Padma Shri in 1982.

He was the vice-president of KSCA and also the chairman of the national selection committee.