Sourav Ganguly yet to accept my request for associating with BCCI: Syed Kirmani

Former India cricketer Syed Kirmani was a part of India’s maiden World Cup-winning squad in 1983. wicketkeeper-batsman served India for 10 illustrious years at international level. Syed Kirmani had an impeccable technique behind stumps and also had potential to score runs at crucial moments.

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Syed Kirmani hopeful of getting associated with BCCI

Recently, Syed Kirmani revealed that he is waiting for a response from BCCI President Sourav Ganguly after 47-year old had assured him of using his services in some capacity. Sourav Ganguly became Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) 39th President in October 2019. Soon after Sourav Ganguly took over as BCCI President, Syed Kirmani congratulated him and also offered to guide India youngsters given a chance. However, 70-year-old 1983 World Cup winner is yet to hear from Sourav Ganguly.

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On Tuesday, while speaking to Asianet Newsable, Syed Kirmani said that he has never been given an opportunity by BCCI till date despite living in Bengaluru where National Cricket Academy (NCA) is based. He furr said that he can work in tandem with Rahul Dravid (Head of NCA) as a joint director and added that it will be a great combination. Syed Kirmani also said that Dravid and he can be of immense help to youngsters. Syed Kirmani also revealed that on several occasions, re were talks of him becoming NCA director, but thing has happened so far.

Syed Kirmani furr revealed that he spoke to Sourav Ganguly before lockdown and also sent his bio-data. He added that he is yet to get a reply. Kirmani also revealed what Sourav Ganguly told him when he had come to Bengaluru on January 19 along with BCCI secretary Jay Shah for India-Australia ODI. 

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Kirmani claimed that Sourav Ganguly told him t to worry and added that he had got his email. Sourav Ganguly furr told Kirmani that he should leave matter to him and assured that he will do it for him. Kirmani reckoned that after that meeting (in Bengaluru), he had sent a couple of reminders, but re has been reply so far. 

On being asked wher he was hopeful of hearing from BCCI President, Kirmani said that entire world is living on hope and he is also hopeful and optimistic. He added that if it comes his way, he will accept job whole-heartedly. He also said that if it doesn't, re won't be any regrets as he takes life as it comes.

Syed Kirmani is widely considered to be pioneer of wicketkeeping in India getting its due recognition with some exceptional performances under Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar's captaincy. A glimpse of Kirmani's life is set to be shown in 83 movie, Hindi film which will be based on India's famous 1983 World Cup winning campaign under Kapil Dev. Actor and famous YouTuber Sahil Khattar is set to play Kirmani in film.

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IM COURTESY: PTI