South African spin great Imran Tahir opened up on his disappointment over not been able to represent Pakistan in international cricket despite representing his native nation at the sport in younger age-groups. Tahir donned the green shirt for the Pakistan U-19 team as well as Pakistan 'A' but never broke into the senior team.

Tahir, who rose to become one of the leading spinners for South Africa in white ball cricket was born and brought up in Pakistan's Lahore and lived in the city till 2005.

"I used to play cricket in Lahore and it played a major role in where I am. I played most of my cricket in Pakistan but did not get a chance here, for which I am disappointed," he told Geo Super.

"It was hard leaving Pakistan but God blessed me and most of the credit for playing for South Africa goes to my wife."

The veteran leg spinner credited his wife, Sumayya Dildar, for bringing about a career changing move for hom as she was intrumental in his move from Pakistan to South Africa in 2005. He became eligible to play for the Proteas in 2009, after completing four-year residency period in the country.

In a highly succesful career for South Africa, Tahir represented the Proteas in 107 ODIs, 38 T20Is and 20 Tests for South Africa and has scalped 173, 63 and 57 wickets respectively in the three formats.

The 41-year-old called time on his ODI career following the conclusion of ICC World Cup last year. Tahir has also played for various franchises in domestic T20 leagues around the world.