Sports

Faith in cricket: Inzamam leads the way at Gaddafi skill camp

Despite stirring controversy years ago for bringing religion into the game, the chief selector clearly seems unfazed

Sports Desk June 01, 2016

PHOTO COURTESY: PCB

Pakistani cricketers are currently participating in a skill camp at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to prepare for the tour of England and national team chief selector Inzamamul Haq is making sure they receive some spiritual guidance too on the sidelines.

Inzamam talking to Younus Khan and Misbah during the camp. PHOTO COURTESY: PCB

In a picture circulating on social media, the 46-year-old Inzamam can be seen leading afternoon (Zuhr) prayers at Gaddafi Stadium.

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PHOTO COURTESY: PCB

Despite stirring controversy years ago for bringing in religion to the game, the chief selector clearly seems unfazed. When asked if he would be able to carry his national duty alongside his religious one, the former captain said "frankly, everyone should offer prayers".

In 2006, Inzamam strongly denied accusations he was pressurising players to pray and that selection process was linked to religion in any way.

Talking to BBC's Urdu Service, Inzamam said, "I have never forced anyone to offer prayers in the team or to keep a beard. There are only three players in the team who went to England who have a beard: Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf and myself. I've never linked team selection to offering prayers and reports suggesting otherwise are all wrong."

Chief selector sharing a light moment with two veterans. PHOTO COURTESY: PCB

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Earlier, Inzamam's pictures of leading the Afghanistan team into prayers also made headlines on social media during the Asia Cup qualifiers. Afghanistan beat Hong Kong by 66 run on February 22 and the then head coach was seen leading his players into the evening (maghrib) prayers.

Inzamam demands seaming pitches for training ahead of England tour

Coach Of @ACBofficials Inzamam ul Haq offers prayers for Afghan player after winning the match vs Hong kong today. pic.twitter.com/ac6FR0NRiL
— Kaleem_6644 (@M_kaleemPTI) February 22, 2016

Inzamam's arrival into the Pakistan Cricket Board mix has brought changes when it comes to players' fitness. The players were sent to a fitness and boot camp to Army School of Physical Training in Kakul, which was followed immediately by the skill camp.

Pakistani cricketers participating in a practice session. PHOTO COURTESY: PCB

PCB considers training camp in Hampshire

With all three domains covered, soon the results of these initiatives will be evident when the team visits England for a two-month long series. Are you hoping for a miracle?

COMMENTS (19)

azmat | 8 years ago | Reply @Asif: But where does it say that a religious person cannot be passionate? give me a break man

azmat | 8 years ago | Reply @SKS: every muslim is supposed to pray five times a day, weather he is a head coach, PM, president or a beggar. Whenever there is a call for prayer, if there is more then one person, they have to do it in congregation. Any one can lead the prayer. So what if Inzimam lead it? do you want PCB to hire a maulvi to lead the prayers? or do you expect Inzi to leave the practice sessions for an few hours every day to go find a mosque, pray and come back. This is a lot more convenient. As far as forcing people is concerned, i dont think he will do it as i have not heard of people being forced to pray even in Saudi Arabia with the so called Sharia law. So be patient. Its Inzi's right to be allowed to balance religion with his profession. Stop moaning abt it

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azmat | 8 years ago | Reply @Raj - USA: is this why Hashim Amla is such a big star? Inzi remained religeous for most part of his career and was one of the best of his times. Same goes fr Mushi, Saqlain. Religeon had little to do with their careers.We have a mentality to find a scape goat when something doesnt go according to the plan. In this case, beard is a soft target so blame it

Samrat | 8 years ago | Reply @Isbah Of course Pakistan was made in the name of Islam and praying is a must for muslims but I think asking others to convert on the cricket field is not a must, is it?? As we saw in the case of Yousuf and Shehzad.

Asif | 8 years ago | Reply @Isbah - how many games are won by faith? I can tell you how many are won by passion. Playing grounds are for games not for a show of faith - especially when you lose miserably ... very often.

Mohammed | 8 years ago | Reply It is so unbelievable to hear Muslim's complaining when Muslim's pray .

Abrar R | 8 years ago | Reply Praying is what we are on earth for, not playing cricket. Prayers are not hindering team practise or performance. Non issue to begin with. Inzi is trying hard already, kudos to him. Results should be evident come July.

whats in the name | 8 years ago | Reply I am speechless.... Like I am speechless.... Coaches are seen in a sporting gear in practice or in suits on match days.... But here..... He is in.... The shades and the skull cap..... The prayer... I have never seen a similar situation...anywhere....

Salim jan | 8 years ago | Reply Religious activity is forbidden on field but all sorts of indecencies/immoral activities are not newsworthy. This is called Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Salim jan | 8 years ago | Reply Had he drunk alcohol on the field it wouldn't have been a news!

Dr S Ahmed | 8 years ago | Reply These Mullahs have brought havoc to the world with their narrow mindedness and hate.Now they want to take over sports the one thing that unites nations and will sadly lead to failure for our team.I agree that passion and strong dedication to sports will lead to a win.

Sa | 8 years ago | Reply Pray tell me how faith or prayers hinder passion?

SKS | 8 years ago | Reply When will people understand that religion should not mix with politics, religion with sports, religion with anything. People dont seem to learn from his national scene and still repeating the same mistake. Him praying individually is different but doing this as national chief selector is different (message). Izi doesnt seem to know responsibility, professionalism etc but its the same with everyone in Pakistan.

Isbah | 8 years ago | Reply Remember people that Pakistan was made in the name of Islam and for muslims it is a must to pray. No need to argue on these topics

Ajeeet Pateel | 8 years ago | Reply Inzi should beat the under performing players lightly now and then

Raj - USA | 8 years ago | Reply Faith in sports results in failures. Passion in sports results in performance.

Azhar88 | 8 years ago | Reply Whats the big deal if he is praying and if some players are praying behind him. If some players are praying behind him just to impress him then the prevalent 'chamchagiri' mentality in our society is to blame.

Asif | 8 years ago | Reply I don't want him and the likes in the cricket team or in any team. Their focus is not game - they are useless like the culture they have been promoting for the past 20+ years in Pakistan.

Asad | 8 years ago | Reply Inzamam and fitness. Enough said

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