Imran Tahir to Feature in T20 Blast Campaign For Durham

Veteran leg-spinner from South Africa, Imran Tahir has decided to feature for the English County side Durham, for the upcoming edition of Twenty20 Blast commencing from July 5.

Meanwhile, Tahir will only play in the first nine games of the much-awaited tournament in the United Kingdom (UK). The slow left-arm orthodox bowler Axar Patel will then replace the leg-spinner for the remaining six games of the T20 Blast.

However, Tahir was a part of successful Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) that lifted their overall third title, this year. He impressed in whatever limited opportunities he got.

Talking to Durham’s official website, Tahir admitted that he is looking forward to taking the field. He also hopes that his previous experience in England will help him leave an impact.

“I’m really excited to be heading to Durham for the Vitality Blast,” Tahir said.

“I always enjoy playing in England and hope that my previous international and county experience can help make an impact. I look forward to joining up with my teammates and the rest of the staff at the Emirates Riverside imminently,” he added.

Tahir has a strong knowledge of English domestic cricket having played for Derbyshire, Hampshire, and Nottinghamshire in recent years.

Durham coach Jon Lewis feels Tahir’s game will add a different dimension to the squad.

“We wanted to invest in a top-quality player to improve our white ball squad. And we feel that Imran demonstrates our ambition to compete in the T20 format. He is one of the best leg spinners in the world and will bring a different dimension to our game,” he added.

The 39-year-old Imran Tahir, who has featured in 33 T20Is, 85 ODIs and 20 Tests for the Proteas. Furthermore, he claimed 253 wickets across all three formats.

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