Port Elizabeth: In an era when the accent is on youth, 31-year-old Imran Tahir cuts a rather unique picture. But, then, he’s been different right through his life.

Born in Lahore, married to Sumayya Dildar (whose roots are in Surat) and, now, in South Africa’s squad for the World Cup which begins in just a few weeks.

Leg-spinner Tahir’s story is incredible.

“It’s wonderful to be selected... Khushi hai... I’m not thinking of the pressure... Having got so far, I’m waiting for opportunities,” Tahir told The Telegraph at the Garden Court.

Tahir first came to South Africa with Pakistan’s U-19 squad in the 1997-98 World Cup. That’s when he met and fell in love with Sumayya.

“We married on January 20, 2007, after almost a decade of knowing each other... I then decided to settle down in Durban,” Tahir informed, adding that while his late father, Mohammed Ramzan, was his “hero,” he idolised Shane Warne and Abdul Qadir.

Tahir spent time with Warne during his Hampshire days, while Qadir is Lahore-based, so he had easy access to him.

“I’ve learnt from both,” he pointed out.

Speaking exclusively, South Africa captain Graeme Smith said: “It’s great to have a wrist-spinner... I can understand the interest he’s generated. Let’s see how we use him.”

Tahir, granted citizenship only recently, is the lone rookie in South Africa’s World Cup squad.

Footnote: Former Zimbabwe all-rounder Neil Johnson, who stays just outside Durban and has seen a lot of Tahir at the provincial level, expects him to make an impact. “He’s quick through the air and, well, is a character... He wants to be counted upon...”