ICC World Cup 2019: Imran Tahir set to retire from ODIs after the tournament

What's the story?

South Africa spinner Imran Tahir has revealed that the 2019 World Cup will mark his final appearance in the 50-over format. However, the leg-spinner also announced his intentions of continuing to feature in T20Is in the lead-up to the 2020 T20 World Cup.

Tahir stated, "I have always wanted to play in the World Cup. It would be a great achievement for me to play for this great team. I have a mutual understanding with Cricket South Africa and going forward I decided that I would finish at the World Cup, that is why I am contracted until then."

The wrist-spinner added, "After that, Cricket South Africa has allowed me to go and play around the world in various leagues but I would also love to play T20 cricket for South Africa. I think I have the ability and can play a role in T20 cricket for South Africa. I am grateful for the opportunity."

The background

Born in Lahore, Tahir moved to South Africa and made his ODI debut for the Proteas during the 2011 World Cup. He proceeded to evolve himself into a reliable wicket-taker in white-ball cricket for his adopted country.

The heart of the matter

Thus far, Tahir has played 95 ODIs in his career. He can potentially add four more matches to his tally as the Proteas are currently hosting Sri Lanka for a five-match series. The leg-spinner is set to play his 100th ODI during the 2019 World Cup in England & Wales.

Tahir insisted that his decision to quit the 50-over format after the World Cup has been taken in order to allow the younger spinners in South Africa to receive more opportunities at the highest level.

The 39-year-old affirmed, "I would love to play for as long as I can. But there is a stage in your life where you have to make big decisions, this is one of those big decisions, it is definitely the biggest decision of my life. I also feel there are a couple of good spinners in the country who need the opportunity. We are fighting for the same spot, but looking to the future, they will have more opportunities to play for South Africa."

What's next?

Tahir will be next seen in action when South Africa take on Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on March 6.