C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award for Kirmani

Former wicketkeeper-batsman Syed Kirmani was nominated for this year's Col. C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award.

The awards committee met on Thursday at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s headquarters, Cricket Centre, in Mumbai, and unanimously named Kirmani for honour for 2015.

The committee comprises BCCI president Shashank Manohar, secretary Anurag Thakur and N Ram, former Editor-in-chief of The Hindu Group.

The BCCI celebrates the birth centenary of Col. Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu, the country’s first Test captain, by conferring an annual Lifetime Achievement Award in his name 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 lakh.

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, he took over the responsibility and added his charm to the role in a decade-long career. His tenacious approach got him 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 India’s captain went on to register one of the country’s greatest wins at Tunbridge Wells.

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

Conferred the Padma Shri in 1982, he was vice-president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and also chairman of the national selection committee.

Image: Syed Kirmani