- Home
- Sports
T20 World Cup: I deserve more respect, says heartbroken Imran Tahir after South Africa snub veteran leg-spinner
YB WEB DESK. Dated: 9/11/2021 8:38:39 AM
New Delhi, Sep 10 Veteran South Africa spinner Imran Tahir has said he doesn't feel right after having been left out of the national team's T20 World Cup squad. South Africa's squad led by Temba Bavuma had quite a few surprise inclusions, including Tahir, Chris Morris and Faf du Plessis. Imran Tahir said he did not hear anything from the team management over future plans. Tahir said he was told by Graeme Smith, former captain and South Africa's Director of Cricket that he would be part of the T20 World Cup plans but he did not hear anything from either Smith or head coach Mark Boucher even as he tried to get in touch with them. Imran Tahir last played an international T20I for South Africa in March 2019 but the leg-spinner has been actively playing T20 tournaments across the globe. The leg-spinner alleged that he did not hear anything from Boucher ever since he took over as the coach in 2019. "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 honoured because you give me respect. I am ready," Tahir told iol.co.za "I am working hard and can you 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," he added. "After a few months I texted Smith and Boucher and nobody replied to me. Since.