Imran Tahir to replace Shadab Khan at Guyana Amazon Warriors

The Pakistan wrist-spinner has been called away for international commitments and, therefore, will only be available for the first three games of this year’s Caribbean Premier League

Guyana Amazon Warriors have signed South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir as a replacement for Shadab Khan.

The Pakistan wrist-spinner has been called away for international commitments and, therefore, will only be available for the first three games of this year’s Caribbean Premier League.

In Tahir, however, the franchise coached by Johan Botha will know what to expect. The 40-year-old played for the team in the 2018 edition of the tournament, taking 16 wickets at an average of 17.75 as Guyana reached a final that they ultimately lost to Trinbago Knight Riders.

Fellow leg-spinner Qais Ahmad is also set to join the franchise. The Afghan youngster has been playing for his country in their one-off Test against Bangladesh – their first ever away Test victory.

He replaces Saurabh Netravalkar, who has also been withdrawn due to international commitments. The USA bowler was initially drafted in the round reserved for ICC Americas players. Yet, draft rules allow for him to be replaced by an overseas player.

Ahmad, who is 19 years old, represented St Lucia Stars in the 2018 competition. He has taken 35 wickets in T20 cricket to date at an average of 18. He played in Hobart Hurricanes’ Big Bash semi-final defeat at the start of the year.