'Since he became coach, nobody contacted me,' says Imran Tahir after being left out of South Africa's T20 WC squad

Veteran South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir hasn't been feeling great after being left out of the squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 to be played in the UAE and Oman, especially after he was promised by South Africa Director of Cricket Graeme Smith that he would get picked in the squad.

Speaking to IOL ZA, Tahir said when the T20 World Cup was supposed to take place in Australia, Smith had spoken to him and said that he wanted Tahir to play in the World Cup and the 42-year old leg-spinner was excited to play.

However, he mentioned that since former wicket-keeper batsman Mark Boucher has become the coach he hasn't got any response from either him or Smith while saying that having served the nation for more than 10 years, he deserves a little more respect.

"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 a 10 years, I think I deserve a little more respect than these guys thinking I'm worthless," iol.co.za quoted Tahir as saying.

Tahir, who has been playing and performing well in franchise leagues across the world whether it is IPL, PSL, The Hundred, or the ongoing CPL, Tahir has been playing with his natural gusto and taking wickets regularly.

Not just Tahir, the likes of Faf du Pless and Chris Morris too have been left out of South Africa's squad for the T20 World Cup.

But Tahir hasn't lost hopes and said that he will keep playing cricket and will be committed to South Africa Cricket as he look forward to the next year's T20 World Cup in Australia

My biggest passion has always been representing SA , the country which gave me opportunity to realise my dreams.I never announced my retirement in T20s and will stay committed to SA.Sad to miss this years T20 WC but I will keep playing and will look forward for the next WC. https://t.co/KXDd30TY17

— Imran Tahir (@ImranTahirSA) September 10, 2021

South Africa squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021: 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.

Reserves: George Linde, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lizaad Williams