Interview With Imran Tahir

Imran Tahir

Imran last week during the Lancashire versus Hampshire match in which he led his side to victory with an excellent second innings bowling performance. Imran's a man who is definitely looking to the future but still has some issues with the PCB.

Question: I’m delighted to have here with me Imran Tahir of Hampshire, Pakistan A and South Africa A, he’s part of the Hampshire side who convincingly beat Lancashire today by 10 wickets.
Imran great performance today you must be pleased?

Imran Tahir: Yes I am very pleased with my performance, I had a good start. I haven’t played much cricket for the last two months, but I’ve had a good start and I’m pleased.

Imran Tahir

Question: You are one of the few players who have played cricket in Pakistan, South Africa and England, how do the three domestic circuits compare?

Imran Tahir: I’m from Pakistan, I was born there and my family still lives there but then I went to see my wife and started playing cricket in South Africa and then I’ve been playing cricket in England and having trials with a few counties. Then from last year I got a trial with Hampshire.

Imran Tahir

Question: Which is the toughest domestic circuit between Pakistan, South Africa, England?

Imran Tahir: To be honest with you, everywhere is different but whereever you play it’s very tough, at least that’s how I see it. No matter where you’ve played, in England, South Africa and Pakistan and I’ve played in three countries and the standard is quite high.

Imran Tahir

Question: When you made it to the Pakistan A level, you must have been very close to the senior team, how close were you to the selection. Were the selectors on the verge of selecting you for the Pakistan team?

Imran Tahir: That is a very disappointing part of my life, I made it for Pakistan A. I’ve been around there for Pakistan A, U-19 and U-19 World Cup. But it was really disappointing for me, and before I left for South Africa, I got around 80 odd wickets but I guess that wasn’t really the reason why I went and played in South Africa. That decision belongs to my wife because she wanted me to play there and that is what I did because I love her. I got married to her and started playing my cricket in South Africa. I am disappointed, being a Pakistani I should play in Pakistan and it was my dream. But never mind, I think I’ve got a very good chance to play for South Africa and I know the people, it’s a beautiful country with beautiful people and hopefully I will make it. If not I’m still happy to play first class cricket there.

Imran Tahir

Question: When Pakistan played South Africa (in the T20 World Cup Semi Final), whom were you supporting?

Imran Tahir: I was a bit confused, but it was a good game, whoever played well on the day won it, but I don’t really know what to say to that one.

Imran Tahir

Question: Leg spin is such a difficult art, not many can bowl leg spin at this level, is it something you get better as you mature, because you see many who get better with age?

Imran Tahir: I think I didn’t believe until last year, but as you grow and especially when you regularly play first class cricket you learn every day and you get the experience in your pocket. After 28, 30, 31 you know what you are doing and that’s why I think things work for me.

Imran Tahir

Question: You’ve seen Danish Kaneria over the years, how do you rate him? He has a good record, it could be better, what are your opinions of Danish?

Imran Tahir: Yeah he’s a good bowler, I wouldn’t compare myself with him. He has done well and good luck to him, I was disappointed the way he came and had the games in his pocket, had I got those games I think I would be right up there.


Question: Shahid Afridi is another one who seems to be getting better with age. He’s worked on a number of deliveries now, how do you rate him as a leg-spinner?

Imran Tahir: He’s a world-class all-rounder, he’s right up there and in the best form of his life.

Imran Tahir

Question: 20/20 Cricket Imran, we see spinners doing so well, why do you think that is?

Imran Tahir: Spinners are a part of the game, whereas it’s easy to hit fast bowlers even if they are bowling 90 mph, in any cricket spinners change the game.

Imran Tahir

Question: My final question Imran, Any upcoming spinners (be it off-spin, leg-spin) that you’ve seen around in England, South Africa or even Pakistan?

Imran Tahir: I haven’t been to Pakistan, haven’t been playing at all there. At the team I’m playing for currently Titans (in South Africa) we have Roelf Van Der Merwe and Paul Harris, I respect those guys and both are doing well. I can’t say apart from that I’ve seen many spinners around.


Question: Thank you very much Imran. Thank you for you time.

Imran Tahir: It’s been my pleasure.

Imran Tahir

Interview With Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla is a top-order batsman for South Africa. He has represented his country in 80 international matches, and is renowned for his elegant strokeplay. He is the first South African of Indian descent to play for the national team, and is also a proud Muslim.

We had the pleasure of conducting a full and exclusive interview with Hashim, and got to know more about his experiences in intl. cricket, his thoughts on the upcoming series vs. Pakistan in the UAE, and his future ambitions.

Question: How do the South African players view the Pakistani team after the recent controversies?

Hashim Amla: The players still respect the Pakistani team as they have some very good players. All the controversies do not change the fact that the tour will be a tough one.

Hashim Amla

Question: Given the current turmoil in Pakistani cricket and the loss of some key bowlers, who do you think will be the main challenge for South African batsmen in UAE? Which Pakistani bowler are you looking forward to facing in the upcoming series? 

Hashim Amla: As I mentioned, there are some quality players. The likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Afridi, Gul etc are all highly experienced campaigners who have proven their worth for many years.

Hashim Amla

Question: What do you prefer: Test cricket, ODI or T20, and why?

Hashim Amla: I enjoy all formats as they test different skills. Test matches however have a special place.

Hashim Amla

Question: How has the presence of a practicing Muslim affected the South Africa's cricket team? 

Hashim Amla: The South African team is very diverse and the multicultural nature is an advantage in many ways. It allows us all to develop our understanding and see the world in a broader light.

Hashim Amla

Question: Would you like to name any mentor(s) in particular that you have looked up to in developing your game, both as a child/teenager, and later on once you debuted?

Hashim Amla: There are many coaches that I have worked and continue to work with, mostly from my domestic setup. It is seldom one man's sole efforts that is the means of achieving things and I am truly grateful for all their efforts.


Question: What specific areas of your game did you work on after being dropped from the side in your initial years as an international cricketer? 

Hashim Amla: Ups and downs are part of the sporting world. My coaches always reminded me to keep things simple and persevere as best I can.

Hashim Amla

Question: How is it that South Africa keeps producing brilliant fielders again and again? Is there a specific training regime you follow or does it come naturally? 

Hashim Amla: The culture of the South African team has always been to pay attention to fielding. Maybe its because South Africans in the past may not always be the most talented as compared to other countries hence they figured that they could make up for that with commitment in the field.


Question: Who was your cricketing idol while growing up?

Hashim Amla: I never had any idols. I just enjoyed watching guys like Lara, Steve Waugh, Kallis and Tendulkar.

Hashim Amla

Question: Who is your favorite Pakistani cricketer? What are your views on Muhammad Yousuf, and how do you rate him?

Hashim Amla: I used to enjoy watching Wasim and Waqar bowl as they were so skillful in all conditions. Younis Khan is a superb player. Muhammed Yousuf has proven his class for a while and is key player for them in the middle order.


Question: What is your favorite cricket venue to play at, and why?

Hashim Amla: Perth, the place reminds me of Durban and more so because of the fond memories of chasing down 400 to win a test.

Hashim Amla

Question: Who're the best bowler and batsman you've played with and against?

Hashim Amla: Murali and Ponting.


Question: What is your most memorable moment(s) or knock(s)?

Hashim Amla: 176* against New Zealand. It came at a time when I was about to be dropped and also, the conditions were very difficult.

Hashim Amla

Question: Would you like to move up the order and open in the future or are you happy to play at No.3 throughout your career? What is your preferred batting position?

Hashim Amla: 4 is the preferred position however, 3 was the only position available at the time. Thankfully it has gone well so far. As long as the team wants me at 3 I have no issues about it.


Question: Do you have any advice for young cricketers, in particular for Muslim cricketers in South Africa?

Hashim Amla: The same advice I was given. Keep things simple and persevere during challenges

Hashim Amla

Question: What do you like to do in your spare time? Any favorite hobbies/activities?

Hashim Amla: I try and catch up with family and friends. I also like to read.


Question: And finally, what is your greatest ambition/aim as an international cricketer?

Hashim Amla: To be part of a winning team and leave a positive legacy for others to continue and improve upon.


Question: Thank you very much Hashim. It was a pleasure speaking to you and we wish you all the best for future.

Hashim Amla: Thank you very much.

Hashim Amla

Interview with Hashim Amla

Interview with Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla is a top-order batsman for South Africa. He has represented his country in 80 international matches, and is renowned for his elegant strokeplay. He is the first South African of Indian descent to play for the national team, and is also a proud Muslim.

Question: How do the South African players view the Pakistani team after the recent controversies?

Hashim Amla: The players still respect the Pakistani team as they have some very good players. All the controversies do not change the fact that the tour will be a tough one.

Hashim Amla

Question: Given the current turmoil in Pakistani cricket and the loss of some key bowlers, who do you think will be the main challenge for South African batsmen in UAE? Which Pakistani bowler are you looking forward to facing in the upcoming series?

Hashim Amla: As I mentioned, there are some quality players. The likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Afridi, Gul etc are all highly experienced campaigners who have proven their worth for many years.


Question: What do you prefer: Test cricket, ODI or T20, and why?

Hashim Amla: I enjoy all formats as they test different skills. Test matches however have a special place.

Hashim Amla

Question: How has the presence of a practicing Muslim affected the South Africa's cricket team?

Hashim Amla: The South African team is very diverse and the multicultural nature is an advantage in many ways. It allows us all to develop our understanding and see the world in a broader light.


Question: Would you like to name any mentor(s) in particular that you have looked up to in developing your game, both as a child/teenager, and later on once you debuted?

Hashim Amla: There are many coaches that I have worked and continue to work with, mostly from my domestic setup. It is seldom one man's sole efforts that is the means of achieving things and I am truly grateful for all their efforts.

Question: What specific areas of your game did you work on after being dropped from the side in your initial years as an international cricketer?

Hashim Amla: Ups and downs are part of the sporting world. My coaches always reminded me to keep things simple and persevere as best I can.

Hashim Amla

Question: How is it that South Africa keeps producing brilliant fielders again and again? Is there a specific training regime you follow or does it come naturally?

Hashim Amla: The culture of the South African team has always been to pay attention to fielding. Maybe its because South Africans in the past may not always be the most talented as compared to other countries hence they figured that they could make up for that with commitment in the field.


Question: Who was your cricketing idol while growing up?

Hashim Amla: I never had any idols. I just enjoyed watching guys like Lara, Steve Waugh, Kallis and Tendulkar.


Question: Who is your favorite Pakistani cricketer? What are your views on Muhammad Yousuf, and how do you rate him?

Hashim Amla: I used to enjoy watching Wasim and Waqar bowl as they were so skillful in all conditions. Younis Khan is a superb player. Muhammed Yousuf has proven his class for a while and is key player for them in the middle order.

Hahim Amla

Question: What is your favorite cricket venue to play at, and why?

Hashim Amla: Perth, the place reminds me of Durban and more so because of the fond memories of chasing down 400 to win a test.


Question: Who're the best bowler and batsman you've played with and against?
Hashim Amla: Murali and Ponting.


Question: What is your most memorable moment(s) or knock(s)?

Hashim Amla: 176* against New Zealand. It came at a time when I was about to be dropped and also, the conditions were very difficult.


Question: Would you like to move up the order and open in the future or are you happy to play at No.3 throughout your career? What is your preferred batting position?

Hashim Amla: 4 is the preferred position however, 3 was the only position available at the time. Thankfully it has gone well so far. As long as the team wants me at 3 I have no issues about it.


Question: Do you have any advice for young cricketers, in particular for Muslim cricketers in South Africa?

Hashim Amla: The same advice I was given. Keep things simple and persevere during challenges


Question: What do you like to do in your spare time? Any favorite hobbies/activities?

Hashim Amla: I try and catch up with family and friends. I also like to read.


Question: And finally, what is your greatest ambition/aim as an international cricketer?

Hashim Amla: To be part of a winning team and leave a positive legacy for others to continue and improve upon.

Question: Thank you very much Hashim. It was a pleasure speaking to you and we wish you all the best for future.

Hashim Amla: Thank you very much.

Hashim Amla

South Africa Team for the ICC World Cup 2011

Following is the 15-man South Africa Team for the ICC World Cup 2011:

• Graeme Smith (Captain)
• Hashim Amla
• Morne van Wyk (Wicket Keeper)
• Jacques Kallis
• AB de Villiers (Wicket Keeper)
• Jean-Paul Duminy
• Faf du Plessis
• Colin Ingram
• Johan Botha
• Imran Tahir
• Morne Morkel
• Wayne Parnell
• Robin Peterson
• Dale Steyn
• Lonwabo Tsotsobe