Hyderabad: It was a star-studded evening at a hotel on Sunday as 1983 World Cup ‘Best Wicketkeeper’ Syed Kirmani unveiled his autobiography ‘Stumped’.The event drew an impressive line-up of sports personalities, including former teammate Mohinder Amarnath, Indian fast bowler Mohammad Siraj, and legendary footballer and ex-India captain Mohd Shabbir Ali, along with several other dignitaries.The event was hosted by labour minister Gaddam Vivek Venkatswamy, a former president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA). The book has been co-authored by Dakshesh Pathak and Dr Debashish Sengupta.Recounting anecdotes from the 1983 World Cup, Kirmani fondly recalled the humour of Balwinder Singh Sandhu and his distinctive bowling action, joking that Sandhu himself sometimes couldn’t tell his outswingers from his inswingers.Cricketing greats shared personal memories of Kirmani. “His attitude showed on the field. He kept his clothes spotless, and his wicketkeeping was just as neat and precise. He was also very particular about his disappearing hair,” said Amarnath with a smile.Kirmani has roots in Hyderabad, with his early education taking place at St Paul’s School and All Saints School.Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin reflected on the camaraderie of his early days. “I was new, so I didn’t get to spend much time with them, but I always felt sheltered in their presence,” he said.Kirmani’s team mates like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev and admirers like Jackie Shroff, and Sania Mirza sent in video messages.Gavaskar noted the book was long overdue, calling Kirmani an integral part of the World Cup-winning team. “He had a knack for lightening tense moments with his sense of humour and perfectly timed remarks,” Gavaskar said.Closing the evening, minister Venkatswamy remarked that Kirmani’s stories unite people from all walks of life who share a bond with cricket — through experience or passion. He also highlighted the Telangana government’s continued support for sportspersons, including financial rewards and land grants.