Tahir understands South Africa snub

Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir has insisted he has no complaints with South Africa chiefs over his botched call-up to represent his adopted country.

But he is furious with the Titans after being kept out of the South African franchise's team and is contemplating a move to the Durban-based Dolphins.

The 30-year-old Tahir was involved in a farcical call-up to the South Africa squad for the final Test against England in January.

Barely a day after his selection, the uncapped bowler was dropped because of eligibility issues as South Africa stuck with left-armer Paul Harris as their frontline spinner. However, in an interview in March's Wisden Cricketer Magazine, Tahir said: "I understood why Cricket South Africa withdrew me. Whatever they could do for me, they did.

"I got my residency and I was selected but the ICC (International Cricket Council) rule is that I have to spend 183 days a year in South Africa for a four-year period.

"I've been doing this for three years now, so in terms of this rule, I will qualify to play for South Africa in December this year."

Tahir has spent much of the South African season playing for Easterns in the amateur three-day tournament after failing to be selected for the Titans side taking part in South Africa's domestic one-day 40 over competition.

AFP