New Delhi. Every player dreams of playing for his country in international cricket, but not everyone’s wish is fulfilled. In such situations, players often turn to teams from other countries. Similar story is of Pakistan born spinner Imran Tahir. This player, who made it to the Under 19 team, could not get a place in the senior team. This player acquired citizenship by marrying a South African woman and then played for the team for a long time.
The story of former South African spinner Imran Tahir is very interesting. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, this bowler made a place in the team’s Under 19 team. Played for Pakistan Under-19 team in the 1998 World Cup. This player tried continuously to make a place in the senior team but the selectors did not give him a chance. After this Imran Tahir turned to England. Played in county cricket but things did not work out here too, then he fell in love with a woman from South Africa and got the citizenship of this country after marrying her. Then played international cricket for South Africa only.
Tahir reached England and then South Africa from Pakistan
Imran Tahir tried to make a place in the senior team after playing for Pakistan in Under-19 cricket. The selectors did not give him a chance. Imran Tahir went to England and worked in a shop. Even cleaned the toilet there and started looking for a chance to play in the county club. Here too, despite many efforts, his words did not work out. Meanwhile, he got a chance to go to South Africa. Played domestic cricket there for 5 years. Married Sumaya Dildar in 2005 and obtained citizenship of the country and then also made a place in the national team.
Tahir made many records
Imran Tahir played in all three ICC tournaments for South Africa. Proved his bowling skills in ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. In the year 2011, Imran Tahir played his first international match for South Africa. This bowler has the maximum of 39 wickets in his name for South Africa in the ODI World Cup. Tahir became the first South African bowler to take 7 wickets in a match in ODI. Tahir became the fastest bowler to take 100 wickets for South Africa. For South Africa, he is the only bowler to take 4 wickets in an innings of a match in all three ICC tournaments (ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup). Imran Tahir retired after the 2019 World Cup but even today he is the highest wicket-taker spinner for South Africa in ODIs and T20s.
FIRST PUBLISHED: September 28, 2024, 19:06 IST