Imran Tahir, a 46-year-old South African leg-spin bowler, remains active in T20 leagues despite stepping back from Tests and ODIs in 2019.
Imran Tahir continues to represent South Africa as a right-arm leg-break bowler, though he has not formally retired from all formats of international cricket at the age of 46. He made his international debut in an ODI against the West Indies in 2011 and stepped away from Test and ODI cricket in 2019. Known for his distinctive spin bowling, Tahir has consistently delivered crucial wickets throughout his career. Alongside his international commitments, he remains a key performer in various T20 franchise leagues around the world. Born in Lahore, Pakistan, on March 27, 1979, Imran Tahir serves as a leg-spin specialist for the South African national cricket team. Coming from a modest background, he began working at a young age to support his family while nurturing his cricket career. Initially competing in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, Tahir later relocated to South Africa in pursuit of stronger cricketing prospects. After acquiring South African citizenship, he earned his place in the national team and became a vital part of their bowling lineup. A follower of the Islamic faith, Imran Tahir often expresses gratitude toward God for his achievements and remains deeply connected to his cultural roots. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall, Tahir grew up in a close-knit family with his parents and two younger brothers. At the age of 16, he started working at a retail shop in Lahore to help his family financially. His move to South Africa later opened new doors, where he met his future wife, fell in love, and settled with his family. Throughout his cricketing journey, Tahir has received unwavering support and encouragement from his loved ones. Imran Tahir’s father, Ramzan Tahir, was a well-educated individual who played a pivotal role in guiding his career choices. Ramzan instilled strong values of honesty and modesty in his son, and although he is no longer alive, Tahir credits his father’s sacrifices for his success. His mother, Atiya Tahir, has been a constant source of emotional strength throughout his career. Tahir fondly recalls her pride when he earned selection for South Africa’s national team, recognizing her as a pillar of support. He has two younger brothers, including Salman Tahir. Raised together with love and care, all three brothers shared a passion for cricket, with Salman actively encouraging Imran’s ambitions to play at the international level. Imran Tahir does not have any sisters. The family consisted only of three brothers, and he grew up in a household with his parents and siblings. Imran Tahir’s romantic journey led him to Sumayya Dildar, who is now his wife. The two first met during Tahir’s Pakistan U-19 tour in Durban and developed a deep bond over nearly eight years of a long-distance relationship before marrying in 2007. Sumayya Dildar, a former South African model of Indian descent, became Imran Tahir’s wife after they tied the knot in January 2007 in a private ceremony held in South Africa. The couple shares a son named Gibran, born in 2014, and they currently reside together in happiness. Imran Tahir made his ODI debut for South Africa against the West Indies on February 24, 2011. He then played his first Test match against Australia on November 2, 2011, followed by his T20I debut against Sri Lanka on August 2, 2013. Known for his wicket-taking ability, he holds records such as being the fastest South African to reach 100 ODI wickets and the fastest to claim 50 T20I wickets. Across all international formats, he has participated in 165 matches and taken 293 wickets with a commendable average. He also holds the distinction of being the oldest South African player to feature in a World Cup match during the 2019 tournament. Imran Tahir has accumulated numerous accolades during his distinguished career. In 2016, he became the first South African bowler to take seven wickets for 45 runs in a single ODI. He also achieved milestones like becoming the fastest South African to reach 100 ODI wickets (2016) and 50 T20I wickets (2017). In 2018, he secured an ODI hat-trick, becoming only the fourth South African to accomplish this feat. He made history in 2019 by playing in the World Cup at an age that made him the oldest South African to participate in the tournament. During the 2019 IPL season, Tahir won the prestigious Purple Cap while playing for the Chennai Super Kings, finishing with 26 wickets. From 2020 to 2023, he was also nominated for the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade award, marking a significant milestone in his career. Imran Tahir wears jersey number 99 when representing South Africa in international matches. As of 2026, Imran Tahir is 46 years old and stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall. Imran Tahir’s spouse is Sumayya Dildar, and the couple celebrated their wedding in 2007. How many centuries has Imran Tahir scored? Imran Tahir has not scored any centuries in international cricket for South Africa, as his role is primarily as a bowler. What is Imran Tahir’s net worth and salary? Imran Tahir’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $4 million, which is approximately ₹24 to 32 crores. All images included are for editorial use only and are licensed through Getty/Source.