'I Deserve A Little More Respect': Imran Tahir After His Omission For South Africa's T20 World Cup Squad

Imran Tahir said Graeme Smith had promised to include him in the T20 World Cup squad, but as soon as Mark Boucher became the head coach, everyone stopped replying to his messages.

New Delhi: South Africa's veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir's name was missing from the squad, announced by his board for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Oman and UAE from October 17 to November 14. Apart from Imran Tahir, names of veteran players like Faf du Plessis and Chris Morris were also ignored by the selectors.

It was no less than a heart-breaking setback for Tahir, who is the 2nd highest wicket-taker for South Africa in T20Is and was preparing in full swing for the marquee tournament. After being ignored for the T20 World Cup, the senior leg-spinner has now expressed his disappointment. He said that Graeme Smith had promised to include him in the T20 World Cup squad, but as soon as Mark Boucher became the head coach, everyone stopped replying to his messages.

"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 Boucher has become coach he has not contacted me once to tell me what his plans are. It's really sad man. I served the country for 10 years, I think I deserve a little more respect than these guys thinking I'm worthless."

Talking about his plans to retire, Tahir said he's even ready to play till 50 if he has to, adding he dreams to help his national team lift the T20 World Cup trophy. 

"I have always wanted to win a World Cup for South Africa to say thank you for the opportunity this country has given me, so I am not planning on retiring. I am going to play until 50 if I have to."

South Africa's T20 World Cup squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Keshav Maharaj, Quinton de Kock (wk), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, W Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.