Imran Tahir will cut the 45th birthday cake shortly after. Then his 46th year will begin. At this age, many cricketers have put down the bat-pads and become full-fledged coaches or commentators. Many may not be with cricket.
South African cricketer of Pakistani origin Imran Tahir Divya is playing franchise cricket there. Starting from IPL, PSL, BPL, there is no franchise league in the world – where Imran Tahir does not walk.
This South African leg spinner is playing for Rangpur Riders in BPL. He has 500 wickets (497) in T20Is (domestic and international combined). How can Imran Tahir perform like this at this age? What is the secret of his extraordinary bowling? How to maintain fitness at this age? He faced many such questions in the interview at Chittagong Zahoor Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Where is the value of BPL, Imran Tahir also has to answer the question.
Here are the highlights of the interview for JagoNews readers…
Q: You’ve got a great combination here. Neesham is there, you are there, there are some very good cricketers including Riza Hendricks. What do you expect and what does the team expect from you?
Imran Tahir: Look, first of all I would like to thank Rangpur Riders for giving me the opportunity to play as a foreign cricketer. Really excited to play the first match. Myself and Riza (Riza Hendrix) performed well. I think Rangpur has a great setup. When I joined the team, the team was at the top. still have
The reason for this is that here, say management or players – everyone has passion, everyone has interest. They know everything about the match and how to proceed. Because of this, it has become much easier for me to adapt myself to this setup. In such situations you can perform well and remain mentally relaxed.
Q: In T20 cricket (International and Franchise) you are a total of 500 (497) wicket takers, how do you see it?
Tahir: I am really proud of it. Because, you will find that there are many spinners all over the world. Of all, I certainly consider it a great achievement. Wherever I go to play cricket, I play for the team. I try to play whatever the team wants from me.
I am even used as a wicket taking option. I think there are many different situations during the match. When it becomes imperative to take wickets. I am always ready at this place. Thanks to Allah that I was able to put myself in this position and was able to take wickets. I am proud of myself for taking many wickets.
Question: What is the secret of getting so many wickets in T20?
Tahir: Nothing different. I just enjoy the game. I enjoy taking wickets in Tests and ODIs alike. T20 cricket is much more popular, that’s the main difference, nothing else. I don’t feel any different. However, there is a different joy in taking every wicket. Because you are always playing competitive cricket. The other party will not give you anything easily. They should always be ready to give gifts for difficult times. So, you have to try your best to win this fight.
Q: ODIs have a lot of bowling opportunities. At least 10 overs. There were only 4 overs in T20. But you have more wickets in T20. What is the secret behind it?
Tahir: One big reason behind it is hard work, dedication and perseverance. Of course you have to have a good understanding of the opponent. What kind of batter they have, how they are going to play the match. Accordingly how I plan. That’s how we plan and that’s how we experience playing cricket all over the world.
Besides, wherever I go, I don’t know the necessary information from the local cricketers. Talked to our captain here in BPL. There are many young cricketers, learned about wickets and conditions from them. I have learned about Dhaka and here (Chittagong) wickets. Because the conditions of the two places are different.
The first thing I do when I come here is to learn about the opponents and plan how I want to play against them. The most important thing is to perform according to what the team wants from you.
So, I think after doing your homework you go to the field and match yourself as needed. But for this you must work hard and at the same time you must have a good plan. Only then will success come within reach. I go into every match planning how I will play, how I will bowl according to the situation!
Question: Your age is 40 plus (about 45 years); But still looks very young. What is the real secret behind it?
Tahir: The secret is – good diet, hard work and as you may know, I go to the gym regularly, run. It might be too difficult. But I think, if I want to play, then I have to work hard like this. I guess the only secret is – I don’t stop running. It is very difficult, because age is a big barrier. That’s why I can move fast, hit the ball well.
I can never think that I am out of cricket. Especially modern day cricket is very competitive and tough. But I think, therein lies the motivation for me.
Q: You have been playing for a long time. So if you say in the light of your own experience, what is the difference between the way you saw Bangladesh cricket five years ago and the way you see it now?
Tahir: Look, I think if you can create more opportunities for young cricketers, then it will be a big thing. Foreign players are a different part. They will go to different countries, play and try to show their performance. If you give opportunities to young people now, you will see in 5 years, they have become superstars. Only they can prove themselves as quality cricketers.
Before coming to BPL I have watched several matches on TV and my team Rangpur also has some good quality young cricketers. I think if you want to win a tournament, you have to have quality young local cricketers. We are fortunate to have such quality cricketers in our team (Rangpur Riders).
Q: What is the difference between BPL and other franchise cricket leagues in your eyes?
Tahir: See, all competitive cricket around the world is fiercely competitive. You cannot compare one to the other. If the spectators come here to watch the game, I think the standard of the league or the tournament is very high. Every team is going from 170 to 200 or more here. This shows the standard and quality of this league.
So, I think the standard of BPL is very good. But as I was saying, as a foreign player we and the local cricketers who are there – they help each other, to help the team win. We are trying with experience, how to win the team in every match.
Q: What advice would you have for young legspinners? How can they make themselves more prepared?
Tahir: Note that all leg spinners have different actions. My advice is, if anyone follows me, I will say – I practice bowling for about three hours a day. I think this is what made me a good bowler from a young age. But, you must know how to bowl every day and they must have a goal. You also need to know how to bowl according to the situation of the match. Because of this, you have to play a lot more in practice. At the same time, the line and length must be perfect.
But I think cricket has changed a lot. Now the cricketers are getting more facilities. Which maybe we didn’t get in the beginning. So, my point is that young spinners need to bowl more target. This is what makes spinners good.
Q: Tell us about celebrating a wicket like Ronaldo. Are you a big fan of Ronaldo?
Tahir: It is true that my son is a big fan of Ronaldo. He tries to celebrate like Ronaldo. He wants me to celebrate like this too. After coming here and taking a wicket in the first match, I celebrated the wicket like this for my son. Without it, my celebration becomes about respect, passion for the game. I always look forward to it, whenever I get the chance; Try to enjoy as much as possible.
IHS/MMR/ASM
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