London, June 25, 2025 — In a momentous event that echoed the legacy of Indian cricket, the memoir of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman Syed Kirmani, titled “Stumped: Life Behind and Beyond Twenty Two Yards”, was launched at the prestigious House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London. The occasion coincided with the 42nd anniversary of India’s first-ever Cricket World Cup victory on June 25, 1983 — a landmark moment in Indian sporting history in which Kirmani played a crucial role.
The memoir has been co-authored by Syed Kirmani, Dr. Debashish Sengupta, a professor at the University of Portsmouth, and Dakshesh Pathak, a veteran Indian journalist. The book has been published by Penguin Random House.
Presiding over the launch, Lord Bhikhu Parekh commended the memoir for capturing the essence of human emotion and ethical excellence through powerful anecdotes.
“A meaningful book must inspire through genuine experiences. Kirmani has always embodied the values of humility, integrity, and brilliance — both on and off the field,” said Lord Parekh.
Co-author Dakshesh Pathak, introducing the book, remarked that the team deliberately avoided glorifying records or delving into setbacks.
“Our objective was to present an honest, balanced narrative — one that serves as a metaphorical lighthouse for those navigating the turbulent waters of life. Kirmani’s career was a masterclass in resilience and precision behind the stumps.”
Syed Lutfi Hasan, Honorary Consul General of Guyana and South USA, praised Kirmani as a cricketer who always prioritised values over statistics.
“His unwavering commitment to integrity over mere accolades is what sets him apart,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, former England captain Mike Brearley described Kirmani as among the finest wicketkeepers of his era — alongside Alan Knott and Wasim Bari.
In his address, Kirmani shared vivid anecdotes from his illustrious career, reflecting on the challenges and satisfaction of keeping wickets to spin greats like Chandrasekhar, Bedi, Prasanna, and Venkat, as well as pace legends Kapil Dev and Balwinder Sandhu.
“Perfection demands uncompromising dedication,” Kirmani told the audience, while also encouraging younger generations to pursue excellence with discipline and sincerity.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Debashish Sengupta emphasized the life lessons drawn from Kirmani’s journey.
“Winning isn’t everything — learning from failure and continuing the pursuit of excellence is what defines a true sportsperson.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Lord Brennan, Prof. David Dabydeen, the Ambassador of Guyana, Dr. Ashok Pathak, along with family members, friends, and fans. The gathering celebrated not just a cricketing icon, but a life dedicated to values, discipline, and legacy.
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