Cricket
Tahir not transformation black
2008-09-29 20:31
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Christo Buchner
Johannesburg - Imran Tahir, the Pakistani bowler now available as a local player, is being classified as a "white player" for the Titans, as he may also be for South Africa later.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has made it clear to the Titans that Tahir is not regarded as a "player of colour."
Titans CEO Elise Lombard says the explanation is that Tahir is a foreigner and did not come through the development channels in South African cricket.
He was, therefore, not part of the transformation process. For this reason the Titans still have to field four black players, even if Tahir is selected.
CSA said the same principle would apply if Tahir were to be picked for South Africa.
On Monday, the day he returned from England, Tahir was included in the Titans' 13-man squad for the first SuperSport match against the Dolphins starting at Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday.
Last season's captain, Martin van Jaarsveld, arrives in the country on Tuesday. Van Jaarsveld is a strong candidate for being named player of the English season.
The former Lions opening bowler, Blake Snijman, will be making his debut for the Titans. Another newcomer is fast bowler Basheer Walters.
Tahir and lefthand spinner Paul Harris are both in the squad and are both likely to play.
“We are taking 13 players to Durban to provide for all possibilities,” said the captain, Pierre Joubert. “We don't know what to expect and that is why we are making provision for any eventuality.”
Allrounder Albie Morkel was not considered, due to his shoulder injury.
The seamer Brendon Reddy will also be out of action for a considerable length of time after he was recently involved in a motor car accident.