India's 1983 World cup winning player Syed Kirmani from Karnataka speaks to CricKarnataka. Exclusive interview

Syed Kirmani

This is one those interviews' which probably doesn't require an introduction because, who doesn't know our hero from the Indian world cup winning team of 1983, "Syed Mujtaba Hussein Kirmani" popularly know as "Kiri" among the cricketing world.
Syed Kirmani was born 29 December 1949 and went on to represent the Karnataka Ranji team and made it to the Indian team and played 88 test matches for India.
Widely known for his mannerism and his wicket keeping skills, Kirmani is a legend even outside the cricket field as he is at this age still into social service and also motivating the youth.
CricKarnataka got a chance to interview Syed Kirmani at the Chinnaswamy stadium during the KPL lauch programme,and here is what you need to know about Syed Kirmani.

It's a great privelage to have you on our show sir. So now that you don't play cricket, what's going on in your life? What do you do now?
Well, I'm part of many institutions as an ambassador, part of the advisory board and a consultant. May be 3 or 4 institutions and I'm also involved in some social services and I'm called by various industries, schools, colleges and corporates to inspire and motivate people and help them climb the ladder.
And apart from that, I play golf and that how I spend my time these days.

You had recently been the ambassador of the blind cricket world, anything that you would want to share regarding that.
Being the ambassador of the blind world cup was a good thing. They are very hard working, these visually impaired cricketers are great and they are a  motivation to normal cricketers as well.

Syed Kirmai with the Indian Blind Cricket team that won the world cup in Dubai 2018

Anything that you can share regarding our early years of Cricket.
I was here in banagalore since when I was 7 years and that's when I started my cricket here. And I believe that every sports person has this ablity to make to the international level and I believe I was one of them and I think that's how it all started. I went on to represent the Karnataka state when I was in my 10th standard and later made it to the Indian team.

This is probably the most asked question  to you, about the 1983 world cup. Take us thru it.
Winning the 1983 world cup was the best moment of my cricketing career. Not just for me but this is something that the whole country would be proud of and I'm glad that I was part of it.

Now, most of us know of your best moment in  the Indian cricket  team, can you tell us what's your best memory with the Karnataka Ranji team.
Karnataka is a state known to produce international level crickters. And my best moment with the Karnataka team was in 1974 when we won the Ranji Trophy after beating the mighty Bombay side which had won 13 times. We won it under EAS Prasanna and this would be the best moment of my life when it comes in Karnataka cricket.

Your opinion regarding the Karnataka Premier League.
The KPL has been a great platform to all Cricket aspirants who want to make to the big level. It has produced a lot of young and talented cricketers and hope it will continue to make more.

Anything you want to say regarding our CricKarnataka initiative.
I wish you all the very best and wish you all the success. You have been doing a good job in promoting cricket in karnataka. Just be sincere in what you are doing and I hope it goes well.

Thank you Syed Kirmani sir, it's been a pleasure meeting and speaking to you. You are a legend who laid the foundation to Karnataka Cricket and because of the efforts of people like you, today Karnataka cricket is blooming.
We from CricKarnataka wish you all the very best for everything that you are doing.