By: Khanyisani Dlomo

Proteas leg-spinner Imran Tahir has moved back to Durban to play his domestic cricket for Ram Slam Twenty20 champions, the Sunfoil Dolphins.

The Pakistani-born South African cricketer, who played for the Dolphins between 2010 and 2012, spent the past two seasons with the Lions but moved back to Durban because of “family reasons”.

“When I was here I had a great time,” Tahir said. “Besides that I moved back to Durban because of my family but I am very excited. I’m sure if I do well the team will do well too. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” added the 35-year-old.

Dolphins Chief Executive Officer, Jesse Chellan said Tahir, who won the T20 International Cricketer of the Year award at the Cricket South Africa Awards, will strengthen the squad and be instrumental in ensuring that the team continues the momentum it has gained in recent seasons.

“He is a quality player,” said Chellan. “Domestically he is a match winner. He is going to take wickets for us.

“Winning the Ram Slam last season was the first step. There is a lot of hard work to be done as we want to be number in the country.”

Meanwhile Chellan confirmed that off-spinner Thandi Tshabalala has signed a one-year deal with the franchise.

“To strengthen the squad we have signed Thandi. He needs to pass a medical test. He is due to arrive here (Durban) this week.”