Imraan Khan, from Surat, leads a South African cricket team

The right-handed batsman and off-break bowler represents the KwaZulu Natal province in South African domestic cricket. A regular in the provincial side, Imraan was also the captain of the country’s school team in 2000. He also represented South Africa in the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand last year where South Africa lost to Australia in the final.

The Durbanite who has graduated from the National Plascon Academy in 2002 speaks highly of the standard of junior cricket in the country. ‘‘It’s very competitive and the standard is high. It’s indeed an honour to play for your province.’’

Imraan — currently studying media studies at the University of South Africa — was encouraged to take cricket seriously by his parents. Growing up playing street cricket, he used to idolise Wasim Akram till Sachin Tendulkar blew him away.

As a young kid, Imraan came to South Africa, first to Johannesburg but it was his switch to Durban that gave him the big break. Speaking of their tour of England next month Imraan said: ‘‘It’s gonna be a tough tour, but with the kind of preparations we have had, I think our guys will be ready for the battle.’’

For People of Indian Origin (PIOs), the match has just begun with Imraan. There are a number of cricketers who have not only represented their state sides but have also got a call from the national side. Notable among them are Golam Bodi, the Amla brothers Hashim and Ahmed, Ashraf Mall and Gobin Rivaj, all appearing for various state sides (and, amazingly, all from Surat), are tipped to make the big jump.

Bodi has come closest to donning the South African colours. During the tour of the West Indies two years ago, Bodi was called in for injured Test regular Nicky Boje. Unfortunately he also suffered an injury and the opportunity to add another shade to the Rainbow Nation’s cricket squad was missed.