BBL 2020-21: Imran Tahir pulls out of the tournament due to personal reasons

Melbourne Renegades have had a very dismal campaign this season in the Big Bash League 2020-21. They faced the second biggest defeat of the BBL history (in terms of runs) thanks to Sydney Thunder who bundled them out for a mere 80 after putting up a mammoth total of 209. Having won just one game out of their 4, Melbourne Renegades have a lot to worry about with the team combinations and the fixtures to follow.

Adding salt to their wounds, South African veteran, Imran Tahir pulled out of the tournament due to personal issues. He was signed by the Renegades at the start of this season. Earlier he had to wait to get going with the ball due to a mandatory quarantine for 14 days since his arrival to the island nation in December. However, the Renegades management does have a few international stars in the form of Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and Imad Wasim, who could fill up the veteran’s boots in his absence to some extent.

Renegades’ coach Michael Klinger expressed his disappointment with the unavailability of Imran Tahir. But, a loss to someone is a find to the other. Having said that Klinger expresses his excitement on the inclusion of the youngster Noor Ahmad in the playing XI.

Unfortunately, Imran Tahir is not coming for personal reasons: Michael Klinger

“He’s a great player so it is a loss. But at the same time we’ve seen Noor Ahmad a couple of games ago, a bowler who people haven’t seen that much, it might actually work in our favor. He’ll now be able to play a fair chunk of that back end of the season, with Imad Wasim. Nabi has to go home for international duty. It is a loss but at the same time what a huge opportunity for young Noor to come in and have a huge impact on the BBL,” Klinger said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Noor Ahmad, 15, played his maiden game in BBL 2020-21 against the Hobart Hurricanes and returned with 1 for 27 from his four overs. He nearly trapped Colin Ingram as his second victim which was later turned down by the umpire.

On the confidence that the group still has despite the heavy defeat in their previous game, Michael Klinger said that the group still has the confidence to go out and perform well and has enough potential and the ability to turn the tides in their favor.