"I haven’t got all my contract money" - Imran Tahir makes massive accusation ahead of Global Super League 2024 clash
South African veteran spinner Imran Tahir has accused Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Rangpur Riders of unpaid dues from the 2023/24 season. The comments came during the toss of the 2024 Global Super League (GSL) clash between Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) and Rangpur Riders (RR) in Guyana on December 4.
The 45-year-old, playing for GAW, revealed his extra motivation to perform well against RR in the ongoing GSL. Leading GAW in the competition, he said as quoted by TOI:
"We want to win every game, that’s what we’re here for. Today’s game, especially, obviously want to win it for Guyana, but for personal reasons as well. I played for Rangpur Riders last year in BPL and haven’t got all my contract money. So that’s motivating me in today’s game. I want to do really well against them."
He added:
"We want to show them that Guyana welcomes them, they bring their local players here, earn some money, play some good cricket, and show them that we're better humans than them."
Tahir played only three games for RR in the 2023/24 BPL but delivered his best, picking up six wickets at a stellar average of 12.33 and an economy of 6.16.
RR finished on top of the league stage standings before losing both their playoff games to be eliminated before the final.
Tahir's GAW come up short against RR in a low-scoring thriller
Despite Imran Tahir's strong words at the toss, GAW fell short against RR in a low-scoring thriller at Guyana.
RR batted first and suffered a dismal top-order collapse to be reduced to 27/5 in the seventh over. However, a brilliant 47-ball 58 from Khushdil Shah and other valuable lower-order contributions helped the BPL franchise reach 117 in their 20 overs.
The home side suffered an identical top-order collapse to find themselves 27/5 after five overs. While Shai Hope attempted to steady the ship with a defiant 35 off 44 deliveries, the rest of the batting fell away.
GAW were ultimately bowled out for a paltry 102 in 19.1 overs, resulting in a 15-run defeat. Meanwhile, skipper Tahir produced impressive figures of 2/24 in 4 overs.
Unfortunately, the defeat proved costly for GAW as they finished third in the final standings, eliminating them from the 2024 GSL final qualification.