From Pakistan reject to South African international, Imran Tahir opens up on his cricketing journey

Imran Tahir: (Image Source: Twitter)

Imran Tahir is one of the most renowned leg-spinners in world cricket. He played 20 Tests, 107 ODIs, and 38 T20Is for South Africa in his international cricket career. However, South Africa isn’t where he started living his dream of becoming an international cricketer. Prior to playing in South Africa, Tahir had played for Pakistan at every level.

He was also selected during trials to represent Pakistan’s Under-19 Cricket Team. However, the dream to progress to the next stage never turned into a reality. The veteran spinner still didn't lose the courage and kept hunting for opportunities to make a name for himself at the biggest stage.

"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.

Tahir also thanked South Africa for giving him the opportunity to showcase his mettle at the international level. He played domestic cricket for five years in South Africa before making his debut in 2011.

“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.

Tahir took retirement from international cricket in March 2019 with 293 wickets under his name. The veteran cricketer, however, continues to play in various franchise tournaments across the globe. Overall, he has 466 wickets to his name in 373 matches at an average of 19.90. In the Indian T20 League, he has 82 wickets to his name in 59 matches at an average of 20.77.