Imran Tahir Regrets Not Playing International Cricket For Pakistan
Published - 23 Jul 2020, 12:44 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:32 AM
Imran Tahir might have been representing South Africa in international cricket for nearly a decade now but the veteran spinner still regrets not being able to represent Pakistan cricket team. The veteran leg-spinner played for Pakistan in age-group cricket before moving to South Africa.
He grew up in Lahore wanting to play for Pakistan and was picked for the national under-19 and A teams. But after failing to make it big in Pakistan, Imran Tahir migrated to South Africa in 2006. The dearth of quality spinners helped him grow as a leg-spinner in South Africa.
“I used to play cricket in Lahore and it played a major role in where I am. I played most of my cricket in Pakistan but did not get a chance here, for which I am disappointed,” Imran Tahir told Geo Super.
The right-arm spinner finally made his international debut for South Africa at the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He made an instant impression and finished the tournament as Proteas’ second-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 3.79. He soon went on to represent South Africa in Tests and T20Is too.
Imran Tahir further credited his spouse, Sumayya Dildar, for his switch to South Africa. The cricketer is married to Sumayya Dildar, a South African woman, and has represented South Africa after becoming eligible to play for them when he met his four-year residence requirement in April 2009.
“It was hard leaving Pakistan but God blessed me and most of the credit for playing for South Africa goes to my wife,” Imran Tahir said.
He brought down curtains on his ODI career after last year’s World Cup. Imran Tahir picked up 156 wickets in 95 ODIs for the Proteas. He has also payed 20 Tests and 38 T20Is for South Africa.
