GEORGETOWN, Guyana,( CMC) – Imran Tahir said criticism of his appointment as captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors helped inspire him to achieve success in the just concluded Caribbean Premier League.

The 43-year-old South African oversaw Amazon Warriors’ first-ever capture of the regional T20 title, when he led them to a crushing nine-wicket win over four-time champions Trinbago Knight Riders in the final here on Sunday.

The Amazon Warriors had been unsuccessful in five previous trips to the final, the first coming back in 2013 in the inaugural year of the tournament.

“A lot of people said a lot of negative things before I came,” an emotional Tahir said following the final at the Guyana National Stadium.
“Coming into the competition, I think everyone [was] sending jokes that I’ve become a captain, so I think actually those things motivated me so I actually want to say thanks to the people who said that.

“I also want to thank my family and all the players’ families. They have been on the road with us. It’s been a great journey, a very special journey.”
He added: “It’s been a great experience playing for this beautiful franchise and for these beautiful people who always come and support us. I am just really grateful to [the] almighty.”
Tahir grabbed two wickets in the final to take his tally for the tournament to 18, just behind the leading wicket-taker, fellow South African Dwaine Pretorious, who spearheaded the Amazon Warriors attack.

The Amazon Warriors also boasted the tournament’s two leading run-scorers, West Indies one-day captain Shai Hope amassing 481 runs at an average of 53 and 21-year-old Pakistani left-hander Saim Ayub gathering 478 at an average of 43.
Fittingly, it was Hope and Saim who combined in an entertaining 84-run, unbroken second-wicket stand to guide Amazon Warriors to victory in the final.

“Since we started from St Lucia, we had the belief. We always get into the semis and finals and then [not won the title],” Tahir said.
“We just worked very hard. Results were never going to be in our hands, but we knew from the day we arrived we were gelling really well, even though we never found an opener. This is the beautiful thing about our team culture.

“I’m just really grateful to every single player, they gave their hearts out especially in the last two games. We played like we never played before. They made my job easier.”
Tahir said the title conquest was definitely one of the highlights of his playing career, while praising organisers of the league.