Rediff

Kolkata, Jul 12: Having failed to rope in Tamil Nadu coach Woorkeri Venkat Raman for Bengal's forthcoming Ranji season, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has now approached former Indian wicketkeeping legend Syed Kirmani for the job.

CAB sources say Association President Prasun Mukherjee met the 58-year-old former stumper at his residence last morning.

Kirmani was in town for a promotional campaign for Widex and was taken aback when asked whether he would accept the coach's role if offered by the CAB.

"I was surprised at the question... But I'm ready to serve the game of cricket, in any capacity, as it (cricket) has given me so much... It will be my utmost pleasure," he said on Friday.

However, when contacted on Saturday, Kirmani was not available for comment at his Bangalore residence.

This development comes on the day when Raman has said "no" to the CAB offer and decided to remain with Tamil Nadu cricket.

That Raman was not accepting the job offer was known to the CAB beforehand, claimed the source.

"Knowing that Raman won't be available, the president thought of approaching Kirmani, who was incidentally in town and on the same day had made his 'intention' to accept the role clear during the media conference. So the president at his residence spoke to Kirmani and offered him the role," claimed the source.

It may be noted that the selection panel headed by Dilip Vengsarkar completes its three-year term this September-end.

As per the rotation policy, Karnataka will have to send its nomination for the post -- something that Kirmani might be hopeful of.

Kirmani, a former selection committee chairman for a brief period, has coached Karnataka at time when former medium pacer Venkatesh Prasad was the captain.

When Sourav Ganguly was playing for India 'A' before making it big, Kirmani was the coach of the team that hosted England 'A'.

When contacted CAB joint-secretary Amitava Banerjee said he was not aware of any such development. Though he did admit that after Raman's refusal the CAB is shortlisting many prospective candidates.