It’s impossible not to love Imran Tahir, and his enthusiasm is infectious.

It doesn’t matter if he has just dismissed Virat Kohli or the opposition’s number 11, because both are going to be greeted with a sprint towards the boundary and a number of fist pumps.

There’s no denying that Immy wears his heart on his sleeve, but after the fourth ODI match against India at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on Saturday night that was especially apparent.

There are differing accounts of what led to the incident below, but let’s start with the video.

Warning – choice language ahead:

For what it’s worth, Tahir is originally from Pakistan, and that means he isn’t all that popular with many Indian fans here in South Africa.

So, as for those varying accounts. The video was originally posted on the DURBAN CRIME N ALL Facebook group by Creelan Govindsamy on Sunday. His caption read:

Footage from yesterday – apparently Tahir assaulted a child for telling him he is useless. Then all hell broke loose with other spectators standing up for the child but no assault was caught on video.

Then, via Sports24, here is Cricket South Africa’s response:

“Cricket South Africa has noted and is aware of the circulation of video footage featuring Imran Tahir on social media and Whatsapp [sic] groups.

Imran Tahir was verbally and racially abused by an unknown man during the fourth One-Day International (ODI) against India at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday. Tahir reported the incident to the stadium security, and was subsequently accompanied by two security personnel to identify and to have the man ejected from the stadium. Tahir made no physical contact with the offender or any of the children in the vicinity. The incident is under investigation with the CSA and stadium security teams.

In accordance with the ICC Anti-racism code, spectators who engage in racist conduct are to be ejected from the stadium and can face further sanctions and criminal prosecution.”

Whatever you believe, it isn’t a good look for Tahir or Cricket South Africa.

Professional sportsmen and women are used to having abuse hurled their way, but I guess everyone has their breaking point.

Just try and keep it classy, Immy.

[source:sport24]