Dolphins wait on Tahir availability for 2016-17 season

Legspinner Imran Tahir's presence for Dolphins in the 2016-17 season is not yet guaranteed as a press release from the franchise said he "has yet to sign his CSA contract". The legspinner was awarded a one-year national contract on January 29 this year. Tahir is Dolphins' only hope of an international player for the upcoming season since the franchise has been unable to secure any other South African stars but they are confident of Tahir turning out for them.

"The Dolphins don't have any reason to believe that Imran Tahir won't turn out for them in 2016-17. However confirmation of this is only expected in the near future," the release said.

Tahir was one of three active national players in the Dolphins set-up last season but David Miller and Kyle Abbott opted to move to Knights and Warriors respectively. At last week's unveiling of new coach Grant Morgan, who succeeded Lance Klusener, Dolphins CEO Pete de Wet said the franchise was holding discussions with other national players and would announce their squad once they had finalised new names. However, they have not yet managed to do so.

Instead, Dolphins have retained the services of Morne van Wyk, Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Imraan Khan, who have all played some international cricket, and will rely on a young squad in the coming summer.

"It is a bit of blow to lose players like Kyle and David. However there is a huge amount of talent still left here at the Dolphins," Morgan said. "You never want to lose anyone - they're like family; their blood is Dolphins' green - but at the same time, their departure gives some other guys a massive opportunity to show what they can do at franchise level."

In addition to the international losses, the Dolphins will also be without Ryan McLaren, who has opted not to sign with any South African franchise next season. They will also be without Matthew Pillans, who moved to the UK, while Jonathan Vandiar and Daniel Sincuba have both been signed by Titans. Ayavuya Myoli will play at Lions next season and Thandi Tshabalala has retired. Dolphins have welcomed back Mthokozisi Shezi from Cape Cobras and signed Under-19 World Cup winner Sibonelo Makhanya, and offspinners Sarel Erwee and Tshepang Dithole.

"Our younger guys like Sibonelo, Andile (Phehlukwayo) and a few others are also exciting and certainly have the talent; for me, this season is all about trying to get them to settle," Morgan said. "There is no doubt that a very competitive team will still represent the Dolphins in all formats come the start of the new season."