Here is an article which gives more details about the cricket team and how the role of Islam is growing within the team....
"The growing influence of Islamic teachings on the Pakistani cricketers is becoming more apparent day by day.
And it’s a big shift in the habits of the team members from the last few decades when the Pakistani players - besides their cricketing prowess - were also well known for their appetite for a good life.
But things and the atmosphere in the team have dramatically changed now and it is a regular feature now to see the players praying together or some religious personality coming over to deliver a sermon on the teachings of Islam and the tenants to being a good Muslim.
On Thursday it was the turn of former pop star Junaid Jamshed to drop in a deliver a sermon to the players and it was an interesting experience to see the players huddled together in one room listening intently to the sermon in which emphasis was laid on saying your prayers regularly.
It is also now a common feature for most of the players to invite you to say prayers bajaamat (in a group) with them if they happen to meet you in the team hotel. From the born-again-Muslim Mushtaq Ahmed to the 20-year-old Salman Butt they are keen to have you join them.
Even the liaison officer of the team, Mazhar Alam was seen roaming around on Thursday in an Islamic cap and white shalwar kameez in the style usually worn by preachers.
Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mushtaq Ahmed are said to be the ones who are now setting the trend in the team for the other players to becoming practising Muslims.
The presence of a foreign coach, physiotherapist and trainer and a Hindu player (Danish Kaneria) in the team makes the team’s atmosphere all the more interesting.
"I don’t face any problems practicing my religion. We get along well I like to listen to if something good is being said to us as a team and there is no bar on me to do what I want," he said.
The only Christian player in the side - Yousuf Youhana - recently converted to Islam and has now taken the name of Mohammad Yousuf.
Another player said while there was a lot of emphasis on religious practice and teachings in the team but players were not barred from watching TV or listening to music or just enjoying themselves. "But obviously when you are in an atmosphere where there is so much emphasis on religion and prayers one does start to get influenced to change his ways."
Even before the start of the England series Inzamam had led a group of players to Raiwand to have a pep talk with the Tableeghi Jamaat head. "
I wonder if this trend is a reflection of the Pakistani society???
2 comments:
Dil Dil Pakistan Indeed!
" On Thursday it was the turn of former pop star Junaid Jamshed to drop in a deliver a sermon to the players and it was an interesting experience to see the players huddled together in one room listening intently to the sermon in which emphasis was laid on saying your prayers regularly."
From what I see on GEO and ARY, I do not see the whole society finding Islam. Since these men are role models, Insallah they will inspire the young kids to be better Muslims.
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