Cricket has witnessed many legends, but few stories are as unique and inspiring as Imran Tahir.
Known worldwide for his fiery leg-spin, tireless energy, and unforgettable marathon celebrations, Tahir once again proved that age is just a number.
At 46 years old, he etched his name in history by delivering a career-best spell in T20 cricket, breaking world records in the process.
This article explores Imran Tahir’s life, career, family, stats, net worth, controversies, and his recent record-breaking achievement that stunned cricket fans globally.
In CPL 2025, Imran Tahir produced a magical spell of 5/21, leading Guyana Amazon Warriors to victory.
What makes this achievement historic is not only the career-best figures but also the fact that he became the oldest bowler and captain to take a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket.
✔ Figures: 5 wickets for 21 runs
✔ Event: Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2025)
✔ Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
✔ Record: Oldest captain to take a T20 five-for
This incredible performance has added another milestone to his already glittering record as one of the most consistent T20 spinners in the world.
Imran Tahir was born on 27 March 1979 in Lahore, Pakistan.
From a young age, cricket fascinated him, and he developed a natural ability to bowl leg-spin. Despite struggling to break into Pakistan’s senior team, his talent was undeniable.
✔ Birthplace: Lahore, Pakistan
✔ Zodiac Sign: Aries
✔ Nationality (Later): South African
Tahir played junior cricket in Pakistan but faced stiff competition. His career took a turn when he moved abroad, eventually finding a permanent place in South Africa’s cricket setup, where he flourished into a world-class spinner.
Imran Tahir’s career is a story of resilience and reinvention.
After traveling through various cricket circuits in England, Pakistan, and South Africa, he finally settled in South Africa.
In 2011, at the age of 31, Tahir made his international debut for South Africa.
Unlike most cricketers who peak early, his career blossomed late, but once he started, he never looked back.
✔ ODI Debut: 24 February 2011 vs West Indies
✔ T20I Debut: 2 August 2013 vs Sri Lanka
✔ Test Debut: 9 November 2011 vs Australia
Imran Tahir played 20 Tests, taking 57 wickets.
While he wasn’t as dominant in red-ball cricket, he delivered crucial spells, especially against Pakistan and Australia.
Tahir shone brightest in ODIs, especially during ICC tournaments.
He was South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in the 2015 Cricket World Cup and became the fastest South African bowler to 100 ODI wickets.
✔ Matches: 107
✔ Wickets: 173
✔ Best Figures: 7/45
In T20Is, Tahir became a match-winner with his clever variations.
He consistently ranked among the top T20I bowlers in ICC rankings.
✔ Matches: 38
✔ Wickets: 63
✔ Best Figures: 5/24 vs New Zealand
Imran Tahir became a T20 specialist, playing across major leagues:
✔ Indian Premier League (IPL) – Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals
✔ Caribbean Premier League (CPL) – Guyana Amazon Warriors
✔ Pakistan Super League (PSL) – Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings
✔ English County Cricket – Hampshire, Warwickshire
With his recent 5/21 spell in CPL 2025, Tahir reinforced why he remains a hot pick in leagues worldwide.
Behind the cricketing stardom, Imran Tahir values his family life deeply.
✔ Wife: Sumayya Dildar (of South African origin)
✔ Children: One son
Tahir is known for balancing cricket with family, often dedicating his on-field performances to his wife and son.
His family played a major role in his decision to settle permanently in South Africa.
At an age when most cricketers retire, Imran Tahir’s fitness level has kept him competitive.
✔ Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
✔ Weight: 70 kg (approx.)
✔ Fitness Secret: Strict diet and regular cardio
Even in his mid-40s, he continues to sprint across the ground with unmatched passion after every wicket.
Imran Tahir has earned significantly from cricket, sponsorships, and franchise leagues.
✔ Estimated Net Worth (2025): $5 Million
✔ Major Income Sources: Cricket contracts, T20 leagues (IPL, PSL, CPL), brand endorsements
✔ Luxury Assets: Houses in South Africa and investments in cricket academies
✔ Fastest South African to 100 ODI wickets
✔ Best ODI figures by a South African spinner (7/45)
✔ Ranked No.1 ICC T20I bowler multiple times
✔ First South African to take a T20I five-wicket haul
✔ CPL 2025 record: Oldest captain to take a T20 five-for (5/21)
Although generally respected, Tahir has had a few on-field controversies:
✔ On-field Altercations: He was fined for aggressive send-offs in a few matches.
✔ Disciplinary Charges: Once reprimanded by ICC for using offensive language.
✔ Crowd Incident: Faced criticism when he reacted emotionally to abusive fans in Australia.
Compared to many cricketers, however, his scandals were minor, and he is widely admired for professionalism.
One of the most iconic aspects of Tahir’s career is his celebration style.
After every wicket, he sprints wildly across the ground, arms stretched — a symbol of his passion and joy for the game.
This “Marathon Celebration” became a signature moment in world cricket.
Q1: Who is Imran Tahir?
Q2: What is Imran Tahir’s biggest achievement?
Q3: How old is Imran Tahir?
Q4: What is Imran Tahir’s net worth?
Q5: What makes Imran Tahir unique?
Imran Tahir’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and performance against all odds.
From Lahore streets to breaking world records in T20 cricket at 46, he remains a symbol of dedication and love for the sport.
His latest career-best spell in CPL 2025 proves that legends never fade — they only get better with age.
Fans worldwide will remember him not just as a leg-spinner but as a cricketing icon who inspired generations.
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