Tahir’s relishing the challenge of his cricket homecoming
FROM TIME to time, Imran Tahir still misses the old days.
Much less now because he has forged a successful international career with the Proteas, but Pakistan will always be Tahir’s spiritual home.
It was there, before love had lured to him South Africa that he became the man he is, and learned the finer arts of leg-spin bowling from legends such as Abdul Qadir that have seen him rise to the very top of his craft in limited-overs cricket.
An annual return allows Tahir to re-connect with his motherland, where he reminisces with the old folk about his days of playing tape ball cricket in the shadows of the Gaddafi Stadium.
Tahir is back in Lahore this week, but this is no nostalgia trip. It is indeed so much more. In fact, the 38-year-old is an ambassador for the game as part of a World XI squad set to face Pakistan in a three-match T20 series that hopes to bring regular international cricket back to the Asian nation after the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus.
Having had to wait so long to play international cricket on home soil, it will no doubt be the fulfilment of a lifelong dream, notwithstanding that Tahir will be in the opposition dressing-room.
“From my childhood to 2006, I played here and enjoyed my game a lot. I wanted to represent my country but it all depends on luck. But I am glad that at least I am an international,” Tahir said.
“I have mixed feelings as I am very glad to be here at my home ground, and although I have to play against the team of my own country, I am committed to my duty which is to perform well for the World XI.”
Tahir definitely has more friends in the World XI squad, with four fellow Proteas joining him on this mission in Pakistan, including Faf du Plessis who was installed as captain of the composite team.
This large South African contingent within the World XI can be attributed to Tahir assuming the role of prime negotiator a while back already.
“I tried to convince all my teammates and many agreed and some agreed to visit the country next time. I worked for the good cause and I will continue doing so. I want players to come here and support Pakistan cricket,” Tahir said.
“There is absolutely no problem here. People are very positive and have given warm hospitality to their guests. There is army, rangers and police everywhere to protect all of us so there is no security fear, and we are looking forward to very entertaining matches against Pakistan.”
With all three matchessold out, the cricket-starved Pakistan fans will see first-hand what they missed out on from Tahir, but will also have a glimpse into the future through their own 18-year-old prodigy Shadab Khan.
The teenager already boasts an enviable CV: ICC Champions Trophy winner, Caribbean Premier League champion with the Trinbago Knight Riders, a Pakistan Super League sensation and holder of Big Bash League contract with the Brisbane Heat.
It is clear that Khan is at most potent in the shorter formats, where in similar fashion to Tahir, he utilises the googly – or wrong’un – as his premier strike weapon. He would also have benefited plenty from his time at the CPL where he played alongside fellow T20 superstar spinner Sunil Narine at the Knight Riders.
This all sets the stage perfectly for a fascinating duel between Tahir and Khan over the course of the three matches, although the veteran believes the entire contest will be a thrill for the Pakistan fans.
“I have no comparison with Shadab Khan, I have my own bowling skills and so does he,” Tahir said.
“We look forward to exciting cricket during the three T20 games and the World XI, which comprises fine cricketers, will produce good performances to attain productive results during the series. After winning the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan team has become a dangerous side due to its superb performances. The team which performs better will get success in the series.”