Dream to represent Pakistan didn't come true despite successfully playing at every level: Imran Tahir

Veteran South African spinner Imran Tahir has talked about how his dream of representing Pakistan at the international level remained unfulfilled even while putting in hard yards at various domestic levels. Tahir, who boasts of 293 international wickets, stated that missing on Pakistan green didn’t dent his spirit as he kept taking crucial steps towards the bigger dream.

The Pakistan-born cricketer added how odd jobs during his struggling days didn’t bring him down as he went to mark his South Africa debut in 2011. The South African cricketer, who  went on to flaunt class across formats and is still making it count in domestic leagues, opened up on his story in a recent lecture.

"I've never lost courage in my life. I have done packing jobs at shops. No one would call me to bowl. At trials, I was asked who had sent me. I have successfully played at every level in Pakistan, but the dream to represent the country didn't come true,” said Imran Tahir while delivering a lecture as the Bahawalpur Royals' mentor during ongoing Pakistan Junior League.

I am thankful to South Africa for giving me the opportunity: Imran Tahir

Speaking further in his lecture, the 43-year-old thanked the Proteas for giving him the opportunity that went on to change his life. He concluded while advising the budding cricketers to never lose heart and keep hunting the opportunities. Though Tahir donned the South African jersey last in 2019, he continues to make the ball talk in franchise leagues across the globe with 466 wickets in his kitty so far.

“I am thankful to South Africa for giving me the opportunity. I was finding a chance and benefitted from it when it was given to me. I would advise cricketers never to lose courage and look for opportunities. I am an example for the world and have been playing cricket for the last 22 years,” he added.