Tahir slams Titans management

Imran Tahir, the nomadic legspinner who was briefly included in South Africa's squad to face England last month, has spoken of his anger at his treatment by the Titans franchise in South Africa, and confirmed he is looking to move to the Durban-based Dolphins.

It would be a timely signing for the Dolphins, who have just culled five senior players from their squad after a disappointing Supersport Series and a winless start to the domestic Pro20 competition.

"This is my third season with the Titans. In the beginning I was performing so well; it is why they won so many trophies. Then they just stopped selecting me for no reason. You play so well, you are among the top three bowlers in county cricket and you carry drinks all season." Tahir told The Wisden Cricketer.

"I want to ask the Titans how come I'm not playing franchise cricket this year but they don't talk to me at all, especially the coach. I'm not happy with them. I'm angry."

Tahir's dissatisfaction has led him to consider a move to the Dolphins at the end of the current domestic season. "I cannot play for the Dolphins now because my contract with the Titans ends in April this year - thank God." he said. "My family is in Durban. I would like to play for the Dolphins and they have approached me but I'm not sure yet. I feel I'd like to decide after my contract with the Titans expires."

Tahir was involved in a farcical call-up to the South Africa squad for the final Test against England before being de-selected on qualification grounds, but understands why he was removed from the squad.

"I understood why Cricket South Africa withdrew me. Whatever they could do for me, they did," he explained. "I got my residency and I was selected but the ICC rule is that I have to spend 183 days a year in South Africa for a four-year period. I've been doing this for three years now, so in terms of this rule, I will qualify to play for South Africa in December this year."

Before he qualifies, Tahir intends to spend the English summer playing county cricket, although after after two successful seasons with Hampshire he will be switching to Warwickshire - his fourth county - this season.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be available for Warwickshire from start to finish and I want to do well for them. The wickets in England are very helpful to me," he said. "The start of the English county season - from April to mid-May when it's cold - is the same as South Africa because it seams and swings. After that the ball starts spinning nicely and that's when I get my wickets."

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