Pakistani spinner Tahir hopeful to play for South Africa in World Cup

He has not gone through the WikiLeaks deluge yet but only Julian Assange may be able to tell him about the diplomatic deadlock, if any, between South Africa and Pakistan.

For sure, somewhere in the labyrinth of diplomatic maze, his file is stuck and Imran Tahir is desperate to have his name cleared by the South African government. “Keeping my fingers crossed.

Hopefully, I will be able to get all-clear before the World Cup,” the leg-spinner says.

Love and marriage has brought the 27-year-old Pakistani player to South Africa and he is no mood to go back ‘home’. “I don’t see myself going back to Pakistan or playing for the country of my birth.”

He is decided on this matter, although he still holds a Pakistani passport.

Tahir has been hugely successful in the South African domestic cricket — first for the Titans and now for the Durban-based Dolphins. In the last four matches this year, he has taken 30 wickets.

With such kind of form, he could easily upstage Danish Kaneria and walk into the Pakistan team. “I’ve stopped thinking on those lines,” he retorts. “I’ll not go back. South Africa is a great and a beautiful country. I’ve a beautiful wife and this is my home,” Tahir says.

Does his decision have anything to do with the messiness that surrounds the Pakistan team? He is non-committal. “I wish not to comment on that matter. I’m disappointed for what has happened there. The guilty should be punished,” he remarks.

Tahir played for Pakistan in the U-19 World Cup held in South Africa in 1998. “The Pakistan government and Pakistan Cricket Board have been kind to me. They have always given me permission to play wherever I wanted to play in a foreign league. So no further comments.”

Tahir, currently, is the best leg-spinner in country and is being considered a good candidate for the World Cup because on the sub-continent pitches, a leg-spinner comes handy.

“If he gets the permission and if there are injuries to any of our probables, we will consider him,” says Andrew Hudson, South Africa’s chief selector.

He is confident that the South African home department will issue him a residence certificate before the World Cup. “I may have to write an article on leg-spin stating that I’m sharing the tricks of the trade with the locals. That is not a problem. Hopefully, it will come soon.”

As for India’s chances in the Durban, his new home, Tahir is confident Sachin Tendulkar will be able to conquer all the demons of bounce in the second Test.

“He is such a great player and no cricketing factor should bother him,” he says but he is keen to see how his favourite cricketer will perform. “I think Virender Sehwag will be able to do well. He is such a great player.”

Tahir has never been to India although his wife Sumayya Dilda is of Indian origin and has been to the country nine times. “She loves India and Mumbai,” he says, hoping to visit the country. That is, when he gets the permission.

Can Assange tell him where his file is stuck?