The South African selection committee has rested the leg-spinner Imran Tahir for South Africa’s ODI and T20I series in Sri Lanka. Tahir is now looking forward to playing for Durham Jets in the Natwest T20 Blast. He will make himself available for nine games in the tournament. His first game will be against Yorkshire Vikings on 5th of July.

In ICC T20I rankings, Imran is currently standing at the No. 7th rank. He has played more than 200 T20 games, picking 203 wickets. He was also a part of the IPL 2018 triumphant Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The veteran leggie has played for South Africa for 33 T20Is, 85 ODIs, and 20 Tests, claiming 253 wickets across all three formats.

Speaking about his newly penned deal with Durham, Tahir said he is excited to take a part in one of the thrilling T20 leagues. As quoted in SA cricket Magazine, Imran said, “I’m really excited to be heading to Durham for the T20 Blast. I always enjoy playing in England and hope that my previous international and county experience can help make an impact.”

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Tahir had recently played for Derbyshire, Hampshire, and Nottinghamshire in county cricket. After getting associated with Durham, talking about the singing, Durham’s head coach Jon Lewis said, “We wanted to invest in a top-quality player to improve our white ball squad and we feel that Imran demonstrates our ambition to compete in the T20 format. He is one of the best leg-spinners in the world and will bring a different dimension to our game.”

CSA Selectors have opted to try other spinning options to find a perfect backup option for Tahir for the upcoming ICC 2019 World Cup. Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj will fight for that spot when South Africa takes on Sri Lanka in July.