Most of the credit for playing for South Africa goes to my wife: Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir, who lived in Lahore till 2005 and represented Pakistan in U19 and Pakistan A level but was not able to play for Pakistan at the highest level. He has been successful for South Africa and made a prominent name for him in various T20 leagues around the globe.

Tahir, who also played 20 Tests for the rainbow nation, has achieved success mainly in limited-overs cricket. His ability to pick wickets in middle overs with tight line and length makes him difficult to handle. He last wore the South African jersey back in World Cup 2019 is enjoying his time home due to the forced break.

The Lahore-born spinner credited his early days in Pakistan for his success in cricket. Though he shared his disappointment that he was not able to represent Pakistan at the International level.

“I used to play cricket in Lahore and it played a significant role in my progression as a cricketer. I played most of my cricket in Pakistan but did not get an opportunity here, for which I am disappointed,” Tahir said as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

Leaving Pakistan was a difficult decision: Imran Tahir

He announced his arrival at the International level in the 2011 World Cup as he became eligible to play for South Africa in 2009. He also praised his wife Sumayya Dildar for supporting him during his difficult times when he was not able to make a cut for the highest level in Pakistan.

“Leaving Pakistan was a difficult decision but most of the credit for playing for South Africa goes to my wife,” he further mentioned.

The leg-spinner retired from ODI cricket after the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. He has played 20 Tests, 107 ODIs, and 38 T20Is for South Africa and has taken 57, 173, and 63 wickets respectively. Pakistan is struggling to find a permanent spinner who can take wickets in the middle overs since the day Saeed Ajmal has retired, they could have been pleased to have Tahir in their ammunition.

The 41-year-old veteran plays only in T20Is for South Africa and T20 leagues after his retirement from the international level, it would be interesting to see how he comes back from this extensive vacation and maintains his fitness.