CSK spinner Imran Tahir's actual nationality, wife and cricket career in South Africa

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Imran Tahir has been talk of town in recent weeks after claiming that he was disappointed to t represent Pakistan in international cricket. South African international has served Proteas with distinction over past decade, featuring in 20 Tests, 107 ODIs and 38 T20Is and picking up 57, 173 and 63 wickets respectively. CSK star anunced his retirement from ODI cricket at end of 2019 World Cup in England.

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Imran Tahir nationality and CSK star's cricket career

Imran Tahir was born in Lahore, Pakistan and featured for Pakistan U-19 and A teams before moving to South Africa in 2005. CSK star's decision was made after failing to receive a full Pakistan call-up and became a resident of South Africa. With Sumayya Dildar, who is also kwn as Imran Tahir wife, being a South African national, CSK star needed to reside in country for four years to become eligible to play for South Africa. Imran Tahir nationality changed from Pakistani to South African as he became eligible in 2009 and subsequently with his performances in domestic circuit, earned a call-up to 2011 World Cup in India. Since n, he established himself as one of stalwarts for South African cricket in limited-overs and is only Proteas spinner to take over 100 wickets in ODIs.

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Imran Tahir nationality: CSK star reveals disappointment over never getting to play for Pakistan

While speaking to Geo Super, Imran Tahir said that he used to play cricket in Lahore and it played a major role in making him player he has become today. CSK star added that he played most of his cricket in Pakistan but did t get a chance to represent m, for which he is disappointed. 41-year-old credited his wife for his move to South Africa and said that it was hard leaving Pakistan, but God blessed him in his journey.

CSK star's comments drew criticism from Protea supporters and leg-spinner addressed those claims in a tweet on  Thursday. CSK star wrote that he tried his best to represent Pakistan but unfortunately didn’t happen. Tahir wrote that CSA gave him an opportunity to realise his dreams of playing international cricket for which he is grateful rest of his life. 41-year-old also said that 'once a Protea is a Protea forever.' Tahir was retained by CSK ahead of IPL 2020 and tournament is likely to be played in UAE in September.

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(Im Courtesy: icc-cricket.com)