South Africa’s Imran Tahir disappointed not to have played for Pakistan

Tahir had played for Pakistan U-19 and A teams before moving to South Africa in 2005.

He has served South African cricket well over the years but Lahore-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir is disappointed not to have gotten a chance to represent Pakistan despite playing there in his initial years. Tahir moved to South Africa and ended up playing for its national team while also representing various franchises in T20 league the world over.

Imran Tahir continues to play T20Is for South Africa. (Getty Images)

“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,” Tahir told Geo Super.

Before shifting base, the 41-year-old Tahir had played for Pakistan U-19 and Pakistan A teams. He credited his wife, Sumayya Dildar, for moving to South Africa. “It was hard leaving Pakistan but God blessed me and most of the credit for playing for South Africa goes to my wife,” he said.

Tahir has so far featured in 20 Tests, 107 ODIs and 38 T20Is for South Africa and has scalped 57, 173 and 63 wickets respectively in the three formats. He called time on his ODI career after the conclusion of the World Cup last year.