The experienced South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir who even though made his international debut at the age of 30, was quick to make his name for the Proteas. Tahir who plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, recently talked about the youngsters in Pakistan.

Tahir who played first-class cricket in Pakistan but realized his dream of international cricket after moving to South Africa said that there is not a single child in Pakistan who doesn’t want to play for Pakistan.

“There is not a single kid who doesn't want to play for Pakistan. I have learned all my cricket in Pakistan. I have played first-class cricket in many countries including England and South Africa, but playing in Pakistan has helped me overcome all my fears,” Tahir told CriCast.

“However, I am grateful to South Africa and the citizens of the country for giving me this opportunity to realize my dreams,” he added.

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The right-arm leggie then talked about his journey in the early days when he used to work in a shop in Pakistan.

“I was never interested in studies while growing up despite my dad being a highly educated person. He is a very big inspiration in my life and I always look up to him. Coming back, when I was working for a shop in Pakistan, I went for a trial one day,” the 42-year-old said.

“It was the U-19 trials and selectors picked me without even seeing and knowing my background. It marked the beginning of the journey and when I started picking wickets, it looked like I could play professional cricket,” Tahir signed off.

Tahir has played 20 Test matches for South Africa with 57 wickets to his name along with 173 wickets in 107 ODIs, whereas in 38 T20Is, the leg-spinner bagged 63 wickets.

(With CriCast inputs)