29th June 2009 I met Imran last week during the Lancashire versus Hampshire match in which he led his side to victory with an excellent second innings bowling performance. Imran's a man who is definitely looking to the future but still has some issues with the PCB.

PakPassion.Net I’m delighted to have here with me Imran Tahir of Hampshire, Pakistan A and South Africa A, he’s part of the Hampshire side who convincingly beat Lancashire today by 10 wickets. 
Imran great performance today you must be pleased?

Imran Tahir: Yes I am very pleased with my performance, I had a good start. I haven’t played much cricket for the last two months, but I’ve had a good start and I’m pleased.


PakPassion.Net You are one of the few players who have played cricket in Pakistan, South Africa and England, how do the three domestic circuits compare?

Imran Tahir: I’m from Pakistan, I was born there and my family still lives there but then I went to see my wife and started playing cricket in South Africa and then I’ve been playing cricket in England and having trials with a few counties. Then from last year I got a trial with Hampshire. 


PakPassion.Net: Which is the toughest domestic circuit between Pakistan, South Africa, England?

Imran Tahir: To be honest with you, everywhere is different but whereever you play it’s very tough, at least that’s how I see it. No matter where you’ve played, in England, South Africa and Pakistan and I’ve played in three countries and the standard is quite high.


PakPassion.Net: When you made it to the Pakistan A level, you must have been very close to the senior team, how close were you to the selection. Were the selectors on the verge of selecting you for the Pakistan team?

Imran Tahir: That is a very disappointing part of my life, I made it for Pakistan A. I’ve been around there for Pakistan A, U-19 and U-19 World Cup. But it was really disappointing for me, and before I left for South Africa, I got around 80 odd wickets but I guess that wasn’t really the reason why I went and played in South Africa. That decision belongs to my wife because she wanted me to play there and that is what I did because I love her. I got married to her and started playing my cricket in South Africa. I am disappointed, being a Pakistani I should play in Pakistan and it was my dream. But never mind, I think I’ve got a very good chance to play for South Africa and I know the people, it’s a beautiful country with beautiful people and hopefully I will make it. If not I’m still happy to play first class cricket there.


PakPassion.Net : When Pakistan played South Africa (in the T20 World Cup Semi Final), whom were you supporting?

Imran Tahir: I was a bit confused, but it was a good game, whoever played well on the day won it, but I don’t really know what to say to that one.


PakPassion.Net: Leg spin is such a difficult art, not many can bowl leg spin at this level, is it something you get better as you mature, because you see many who get better with age?

Imran Tahir: I think I didn’t believe until last year, but as you grow and especially when you regularly play first class cricket you learn every day and you get the experience in your pocket. After 28, 30, 31 you know what you are doing and that’s why I think things work for me.


PakPassion.Net : You’ve seen Danish Kaneria over the years, how do you rate him? He has a good record, it could be better, what are your opinions of Danish?

Imran Tahir: Yeah he’s a good bowler, I wouldn’t compare myself with him. He has done well and good luck to him, I was disappointed the way he came and had the games in his pocket, had I got those games I think I would be right up there.


PakPassion.Net: Shahid Afridi is another one who seems to be getting better with age. He’s worked on a number of deliveries now, how do you rate him as a leg-spinner?

Imran Tahir: He’s a world-class all-rounder, he’s right up there and in the best form of his life.


PakPassion.Net : 20/20 Cricket Imran, we see spinners doing so well, why do you think that is?

Imran Tahir: Spinners are a part of the game, whereas it’s easy to hit fast bowlers even if they are bowling 90 mph, in any cricket spinners change the game.


PakPassion.Net: My final question Imran, Any upcoming spinners (be it off-spin, leg-spin) that you’ve seen around in England, South Africa or even Pakistan? 

Imran Tahir: I haven’t been to Pakistan, haven’t been playing at all there. At the team I’m playing for currently Titans (in South Africa) we have Roelf Van Der Merwe and Paul Harris, I respect those guys and both are doing well. I can’t say apart from that I’ve seen many spinners around.


PakPassion.Net Thank you very much Imran from everyone on behalf of PakPassion, thank you for you time.

Imran Tahir: It’s been my pleasure.