Meet tweaker Imran Tahir, who could soon be an international if he continues getting wickets
Meet tweaker Imran Tahir, who could soon be an international if he continues getting wickets
Imran Tahir (32), the man who switched nationalities for the sake of his lady love, is the talk of the town. For Tahir has introduced a rare culture of spin bowling to this province -- the curator here at Kingsmead has been shaving off grass from the surface just so the leg-spinner can take a bagful of wickets for the Dolphins, the state side. 
Travelling since the age of 19, Tahir has played cricket everywhere from his native Pakistan to England and now South Africa. He was keen on playing international cricket for Pakistan, but the bag-packing free spirit landed in the rainbow nation for his heart told him to. He met Saumaya Diladar in 1998, as a member of the Under-19 World Cup team. In 2006, Tahir returned to South Africa, thanks to his friend Gulam Bodi, to get
married.
Recently, Waqar Younis had asked Tahir if he wanted to play for Pakistan. The leggie laughed, and turned down the Pakistan coach's offer. His wife, Saumaya is also against Tahir migrating back to Pakistan as she feels Tahir's talent will be wasted.
On December 10, Tahir became eligible to play for South Africa. It's no secret that this country has rarely produced a world-class spinner. Shane Warne and Kevin Pietersen have admired Tahir, stating he must represent his new home at the highest level.u00a0
Tahir caught up with
MiD DAY for a chat.
Excerpts: You have played for over 10 teams from Yorkshire to Lahore to Titans ufffd.
I take a lot of pride in it. Wherever I played, not just for clubs, but even charity matches, I wanted to do well. Playing county cricket in England is extremely tough and puts your skills to the test. I had to wait for 10 years but finally I have got the
recognition.
Are you disappointed that you haven't played international cricket yet?
As a youngster, I wanted to play for Pakistan. I am not one of those guys who can play few international games and be forgotten. I want to be remembered when I play.u00a0
Tell us about your meeting with Shane Warne ufffd
I will play for Hampshire again this year, so that was the connection. I always wanted to meet him. But, never had the opportunity to, so, I asked my captain Dmitri Mascarenhas to set up our meeting. Warne was in London. He came all the way to Southampton just to meet me. It meant a lot. He was very impressed with my variations.
And Kevin Pietersen ufffd
For the star that he is, KP is an extremely humble bloke. He was here (in Durban) practising for the Ashes.
I bowled a lot to him at the nets. He was very impressed with me, and told the media to stand up and take notice. That meant a lot.
The influence of Gulam Bodi and Graham Ford on your career ufffd
Bodi was the one who got me to South Africa and helped me get to the Titans nets. Richard Pybus, the coach of Titans, saw me and within half an hour offered me a contract. I helped Titans to win five out of the six championships in two years. Thereafter, Graham Ford asked me to come and join him here for Dolphins.
Last year you were set to make your Test debut against England. Did it hurt that paperwork issues held that moment back?
It was mixed feeling. Initially, I was almost crying in happiness because I was going to share the dressing room with Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis. I bowled in the nets to all of them and got a great response from them. I don't want to be a one-hit wonder. When I play for SA, I want to play for many years.
South Africa has never had a world-class spinner. You obviously came here for your wife, but did that also play in your mind? You could have also tried England ufffd
I have been told exactly that. No disrespect to Paul Harris. If you bowl alongside Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, you always have better chance of taking wickets. If people in South Africa feel they require a world-class spinner, I would like to put my hand up and give it my best shot. I have taken wickets almost everywhere in the world.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
