LAHORE – Pakistan selectors overlooked bowler Imran Tahir for the national squad because was not a “yes man”, former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Wasim has claimed. Tahir, who made a memorable debut for South Africa in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, was always available for selection in the Pakistan squad and remained willing to play for his country, said Wasim.
“I have heard quite a few reasons attempting to explain why he was overlooked, from different people related to cricket back in Pakistan. These ranged from trivial reasons such as how some dislike his hair colour and style, and to the way he celebrates after taking wickets,” PakPassion quoted Wasim as saying. “On more serious matters, certain people had problems with his apparent over-confidence and how he talked to people, they were displeased that he wouldn’t always accept what others would tell him – he wasn’t one to say “Yes, Sir” all the time.
Some also had an issue with the fact that he was getting good contracts with states and counties,” he added. Wasim argued that if Tahir really had these flaws and was rightfully deemed not good enough for Pakistan, it must be unbelievable that South Africa would want such a player.
‘Tahir ignored because he wasn’t a pawn’
