South African leg spinner Imran Tahir showed his frustration over the treatment he received from officials of South African cricket.
The 42-year old revealed that CSA director Graeme Smith talked with him the previous year and had affirmed him of a place in the T20 World Cup squad, which was supposed to happen in Australia last year.
However, since then, there has been no discussion between Tahir and Smith. Talking to IOL, Imran Tahir opened up on the talks he had with Graeme Smith before becoming ghosted. Tahir said:
“I am not feeling great that I am not in the squad. Last year Graeme Smith spoke to me and said I want you to play in the World Cup, which was in Australia. I said obviously I am available and excited and honored because you give me respect. I am ready. I am working hard and you can see my performances in all these leagues. He said that’s why he wants me. He also said he was going to speak to a few other guys like AB (de Villiers) and Faf (du Plessis). They put me on the Proteas group and everything, but then nobody contacted me.”
Mark Boucher became head coach of South Africa the previous year. Even he did not reach Imrah Tahir to discuss his intentions for the future of the South African T20 team. It further discouraged the spirit of the leg spinner. Tahir continue said:
“After a few months I texted Smith and Boucher and nobody replied to me. Since Boucher has become coach he has not contacted me once to tell me what his plans are. It’s really sad man. I served the country for 10 years, I think I deserve a little more respect, these guys thinking I’m worthless.”
Even at 42, Imran Tahir has been performing great with the ball in groups around the world. In the current past, he put on good plays in the Hundred along with the CPL 2021. Fans demanded him to be part of the South African World Cup squad, but surprisingly, he was ignored.