Latest update September 22nd, 2026 10:30 AM
Age-Defying Tahir sets sights on CPL glory for Guyana Amazon Warriors
2026 Republic Bank CPL…
Guyana Amazon Warriors captain Imran Tahir said his team will be more locked in ahead of this final stretch. (CPL)
– says not crossing finish line now, a waste of hard work
By Clifton Ross
(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Amazon Warriors have done it again, securing yet another playoff berth in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as the tournament’s most successful franchise.
But for veteran skipper Imran Tahir, qualifying is merely the prologue.
As the final hurdle approaches, the legendary leg-spinner is driven by an unyielding desire to deliver ultimate glory to the people of Guyana.
At an age when most of his peers have long transitioned into coaching or commentary, Tahir continues to defy Father Time.
The South African is on the cusp of becoming the CPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker and recently became the first overseas player to reach 100 CPL appearances.
“People don’t try to remind me about it [being the oldest guy playing right now,” Tahir joked. “But I think that gives me more motivation to work harder and come back strongly every year,” Tahir said during the Captain’s pre-match interview hosted on Tuesday in Barbados.
A Captain Born from a Challenge
Tahir’s transition into leadership with the Warriors has been nothing short of spectacular, netting a CPL title coupled with two Global Super League (GSL) trophies.
Yet, he reveals that taking the armband originally came as a sudden proposition from franchise ownership.
“I can say it was a surprise, but on the other hand, not really. I’m the kind of guy who likes challenges,” Tahir said of the 30-second conversation that altered his career trajectory.
“I said, ‘Look, sir… if you give me the opportunity, I can make a promise with you that I will give my 200 percent commitment.’ It’s been a great journey, especially from a learning point of view,” he explained.
Imran Tahir gave some insight into his journey with the Guyana Amazon Warriors and well as the team’s plan to turn the last two months of hard work into another CPL title.
Adapting to Change
A major talking point ahead of the season was the departure of left-arm orthodox star Gudakesh Motie to the Barbados Royals.
While Motie’s absence left a massive void, Tahir praised the veteran Veerasammy Permaul and Khary Pierre for stepping up seamlessly.
“Motie was a loss, but Veerasammy Permaul has been really good, and that’s why we’ve been playing him consistently. The guy took a bundle of wickets in Test cricket; he has close to a thousand first-class wickets. I think whoever sees Permaul’s role is really satisfied,” said the Warriors skipper on the veteran Guyanese left-arm spin ace.
Healing Old Scars
Despite Guyana’s rich history of reaching the deep ends of the tournament, they have historically struggled to cross the final hurdle. For Tahir, the memory of past heartbreak remains a powerful motivator.
“For me, the two months are going to be wasted if you don’t cross the line. You become number one in the competition; you get remembered in people’s hearts forever. Number two doesn’t matter, really. A couple of years back, we won 11 out of 12, and we lost the final. That still has a scar in my heart probably forever.” Tahir bluntly admitted.
Heading into tomorrow’s critical clash against Antigua, Tahir’s message to his team is simple: one game at a time, with maximum honesty and sacrifice.
Facing grueling months away from family and hotel fatigue, the skipper refuses to let his team take their position for granted.
He knows the boys, both overseas and especially the local bunch, are well aware that they’re playing for a nation which lives and breathes cricket.
Tahir said the intention is basically to leave everything on the field for the Warrior Nation’s Guyanese fanbase, who have been behind their team from the very start; now just inches away from etching their name again in the CPL history books.
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