Strict rotation policy need of hour – Kirmani

By Muhammad Asif Khan

KARACHI: At the team when, after successive failures, the senior Indian cricketers are being criticised and some quarters have even advised them to call it a day, another former Indian star, Syed Mujtaba Hussain Kirmani jumped on the bandwagon but in a deceptive tone. Addressing a ceremony hosted in his honour here by Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS), Kirmani urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to adopt an effective rotation policy to keep a fair pressure on players. “I have already recommended a clear-cut policy to the BCCI. I believe regardless of his experience a player should be replaced after 4 successive failures”, said Kirmani who played 88 Test and 49 one-day matches for India from 1976 to 1986.

“If this rotation policy is adopted then players would also be aware in advance, hence nobody would feel humiliated when is sidelined on poor run of form”, added Kirmani

Syed Mujtaba Kirmani, who is on a private visit to Karachi to attend a wedding of his relative, recalled his playing days in Pakistan and said that like in the past, he felt touched by the affection expressed to him by the people of Pakistan.

On bilateral series between Pakistan and India, the former wicketkeeper batsman expressed the opinion that the revival of cricketing ties was also important for the future of both the countries. “Asia possesses exceptional talent, and I feel that revival of bilateral series would be a great platform for the youngsters to exhibit their talent. It will ultimately benefit both the teams”, added Kirmani

Syed Mujtaba Kirmani also stated that the ongoing drought of international cricket in Pakistan should come to an end. “Pakistan is a cricket loving nation, ICC should expedite it’s efforts to bring back International Cricket to Pakistan”, concludes Kirmani

Apart from neat glove-work behind the stumps, Mujtaba Kirmani was an able batsman down the order and has two Test hundreds to his credit. He also played a pivotal role in India's triumph in the 1983 World Cup and won the award for the best wicket keeper in the mega event.