South Africa leg-spinner, Imran Tahir, has confirmed the 2019 Cricket World Cup will be his final appearance for South Africa in One-Day International (ODI) cricket.

Tahir is currently contracted to Cricket South Africa (CSA) until July 31, and will re-assess his freelance future following the tournament.

The 39-year-old says he would still like to play T20 International cricket for the Proteas ahead of the 2020 ICC T20 World Cup in Australia. But would like to open up more opportunities for other fledgling spinners in the country in the 50-over format.

Imran Tahir currently part of team’s set up against Sri Lanka. He was instrumental for the team as he took 3 important wickets in the first ODI at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday. He announced his ODI retirement on Sunday after the team’s 8-wicket win over the Sri Lankans.

“I have always wanted to play in the World Cup, It would be a great achievement for me to play for this great team. I have a mutual understanding with Cricket South Africa and going forward I decided that I would finish at the World Cup, that is why I am contracted until then,” Tahir said.

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“After that, Cricket South Africa has allowed me to go and play around the world in various leagues. But I would also love to play T20 cricket for South Africa. I think I have the ability and can play a role in T20 cricket for South Africa. I am grateful for the opportunity.

“I would love to play for as long as I can. But there is a stage in your life where you have to make big decisions. This is one of those big decisions, it is definitely the biggest decision of my life. I also feel there are a couple of good spinners in the country who need the opportunity. We are fighting for the same spot. But looking to the future, they will have more opportunities to play for South Africa.” he added.

Interestingly, Imran Tahir is one of only a dozen cricketers to have claimed 7 or more wickets in an ODI. His 7/45 against the West Indies at Warner Park in St Kitts three years ago outsmarted. South Africa’s previous record set by fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s 6/16 against Bangladesh in Dhaka a year earlier.

The 11th ranked ODI bowler is still in contention for T20I and Test selection though. He hasn’t played the Test format since 2015. South Africa will lock horns with England. In the opening fixture of the World Cup at The Oval in London on 30 May. Imran Tahir has represented South Africa in 95 ODIs, taking 156 wickets at an average of 24.56.