Imran Tahir speaks about his unconditional respect and love for South Africa and its people.
Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Tahir’s cricket career started when he was selected for Pakistan U19. His performances earned him a call-up to Pakistan A but he failed to make it into the senior national team.
He made the decision to play County Cricket in 2003 when he joined Middlesex but shortly after, he moved to South Africa where he played Domestic Cricket. His first team was the Titans where he played from 2007-2009.
He then moved to the Dolphins, which later became his final destination, despite a two-year stint from 2012-2014 at the Lions. He moved back to the Dolphins in 2014.
For the national team, Tahir was accepted as one of South Africa’s own naturally because of the fiery passion he showed when wearing a Proteas shirt.
He made his debut for South Africa in 2011 against the West Indies, and Australia will be his final ODI opponents in the green and gold.
After 107 ODIs he will hang up his boots in ODIs ranked as the No 4-ranked bowler in the world.
He will however still be available in T20Is for South Africa.
What was Tahir’s impression of the rainbow nation?
“I saw the rainbow nation. It was an amazing feeling,” he said.
“I saw black people, white people, coloured people, Indian people, Muslim people … they all just came from nowhere … it was very emotional for me standing there with everyone telling me they were proud of me.
“It made me feel very special and I understood that, whatever we do, we don’t realise what we are doing for people.
“To see the love coming back from people was unbelievable and probably the best moment of my life.
“I have a lot of respect for South Africa and its people and that is the only thing that has kept me going up until now. I’m just really grateful to everybody.”
Photo: Cricket World Cup/Twitter
