JEDDAH, 8 October 2004 — Indian cricketing legend Syed Mujtaba Hussain Kirmani, who has 88 Tests and 49 One-Day Internationals to his credit, paid a courtesy visit to the Jeddah Cricket League ground here yesterday. The visit was a boost to the players and followers of the fiercely contested local league, who turned out in force to welcome him.
Kirmani, who was part of India’s World Cup winning squad in 1983, could not resist the invitation to pad up for a spell behind the stumps during a match between the Jeddah Cricket League Executive Committee and Pakistan International Airlines.
“It is always with a sense of great pride that I wear this attire,” Kirmani told Arab News while strolling into the middle to keep wicket. Slipping into the familiar pads and gloves with which he made his reputation, he settled into his old role with easy familiarity.
Widely regarded as the best wicketkeeper of his time, he justified his reputation as he effortlessly anticipated the bowling and gave the enthusiastic players and spectators a glimpse of the skills that made him the terror of batsmen during the 11 years he represented India.
His presence at the exhibition match between JCL Excom and PIA sent everybody into a frenzy of delight. A couple of female spectators in the back rows of the stand were clapping furiously when Kirmani was putting on the gloves.
JCL President Shahid Amin was delighted that Kirmani had taken time out of his schedule for a visit to the league.
“This is a great moment for us,” said a jubilant Shahid Amin. “Kirmani’s presence is a source of pride for us. This encourages youngsters to give their best to the game of cricket.”
Shahid Amin had a special word of praise for Zainal Alireza.
“His contribution to promoting cricket in the Kingdom is immense,” he said.
“We have been organizing such events for last 25 years. It is a good way of promoting friendly ties among expatriates of different nationalities who have come here to earn their living. We just try to make a difference in their lives by letting them unwind on the cricket pitch,” he added.
Afsar Faheem and Aijaz Khan were also happy and so were the PIA executives who had turned up in full force at the event. “He (Kirmani) has promised to lend all support to us,” said Afsar Faheem. “That means a lot to us at the Central Cricket Control Board,” added Aijaz Khan.
“It is a real fillip to the teams and the Jeddah Cricket League,” said JCL’s Executive Secretary Iqbal Chowdhury. “Cricket is a sport that spans the world and at whatever level one plays, players and families who support them benefit. When a man of Syed Kirmani’s reputation visits, it is something to remember for a very long time.”
Shahid Amin said some of the world’s greatest cricketers had kindled their interest in the game on makeshift pitches in developing countries. “A visit from a cricketing hero to a league like ours might just provide the boost for a yet unknown cricket star.”
Between 1976 and 1986, Kirmani was instrumental in racking up 160 catches and 38 stumpings. Batting well down the order, he achieved a creditable average of 27 runs and scored one century.
It was his implacable presence as an extremely safe pair of hands just behind the batsman that added to his effectiveness as a Test wicketkeeper. One slip, and the vigilant Kirmani gave few second chances.
