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Imraan Tahir of South Africa (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Imran Tahir has been the most prominent “naturalised” player to play cricket for South Africa in recent times.
The 33-year-old leg-spinner was born in Lahore, Pakistan, and was something of a journey-man cricketer who played for nearly 20 teams. His career has taken him to England and of course South Africa, where he met his wife.
Tahir had played for Pakistan A, but never turned out for the senior side, and when he came to South Africa he severed ties with the land of his birth, determined to play here. He played for the Titans first but when his wife moved to Durban, he signed a contract with the Dolphins.
Tahir was initially picked for South Africa in 2009/10 when England toured here, but in an embarrassing episode for Cricket South Africa, it was found that Tahir hadn’t spent enough days in the country to qualify for his South African residency.
Once that had happened though – in January 2011 – Tahir was quickly called up for the one-day series against India last year, but didn’t play a game. He went to the World Cup as a “secret weapon” and was a revelation, picking up 14 wickets in the tournament.
England have probably benefited more from South African talent than any other country with Kevin Pietersen, Jonathon Trott, Craig Kieswetter and Jade Dernbach featuring regularly in their sides in recent years. - Saturday Star
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