South Africa's veteran leggie Imran Tahir is eyeing the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022, scheduled to be played later this year in Australia. Tahir is available for selection and he called himself fit enough for the tournament.
The 42-year-old had expressed a desire to be a part of the ICC event last year as well, but he was eventually snubbed from the squad. The leggie is currently in Pakistan for the ongoing Pakistan Super League.
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"I am still available for selection in T20Is,” Tahir, who plays for Multan Sultans, told Geo News in an interview. “I believe I am fit enough to play in the T20 World Cup [in Australia]. I hope that selectors will consider my performances around the world. If they do, I am sure they’ll find me a deserving candidate."
“It is a strange feeling that I am an overseas player for Pakistan where I was born and even played my initial cricket, but I am also thankful to South Africa that they gave me a chance to reach my dreams and prove myself in international cricket,” he added.
Tahir last played a T20I match for South Africa back in 2019 against Sri Lanka. He has played overall 38 T20Is for the Proteas, picking up 63 wickets with an average of 15.04.
“I love to share my experience with young cricketers. Maybe I will become a leg-spin coach in the future," he further said. “I feel that I got the opportunity very late, so I don’t take anything for granted and try to give my best."
The leggie picked up three wickets in the opening game for Multan against Karachi Kings. He was named Player of the Match for his performance.
"We are off to a good start. It is all because of the collective hard work of the team. I hope we continue with this streak in the tournament. This unity as a team is the key to success. When you work hard as a team and give your best, you surely get success," he said.
(With Geo News Inputs)