Pakistani wicket-keeper batsman, Mohammad Rizwan, has created quite a stir with his on-field prayers during international matches. As the 2023 Cricket World Cup unfolds, Rizwan once again finds himself at the epicenter, eliciting both admiration and controversy.
Let’s journey back to 2021, following Pakistan’s exhilarating T20 World Cup victory over arch-rivals India. Waqar Younis, a former Pakistani cricketer, made a statement on a local news channel that caught everyone’s attention. He mentioned that witnessing Mohammad Rizwan offering Namaz (Islamic prayer) “in front of Hindus” was a special moment for him. This seemingly innocuous remark ignited a debate about the convergence of religion and sports. Fast forward to today, and Rizwan is once again in the headlines for his on-field prayers, this time at the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
During a recent Pakistan vs. Netherlands ICC Cricket World Cup match in Hyderabad, a video emerged, capturing Mohammad Rizwan in the midst of his Namaz during a drinks break. This incident has gone viral on social media, reigniting the debate about the appropriateness of a cricketer performing religious rituals on the field.
This isn’t the first time Rizwan has been seen offering prayers during a match. As mentioned earlier, he was seen praying during a T20 game against India, which garnered mixed reactions. However, what’s drawing more attention now is the allegation that Rizwan times his prayers strategically, especially when he knows that Indian fans are watching.
Rizwan’s on-field Namaz has not been well-received by Indian cricket enthusiasts. They accuse him of performing these prayers as a deliberate act to provoke and gain attention, especially when India is the opposing team. Some Indian fans believe that Rizwan’s actions are intended to make a statement or demonstrate his faith to a larger audience.
Earlier this year, before the Cricket World Cup, Rizwan was spotted offering Namaz on the streets in the United States. This incident drew criticism from cricket fans, who argued that he could have easily offered his prayers in the privacy of his hotel room.
Rizwan Reading Namaz In Front Of Hindus Was Very Special: Waqar Younis
The incident during the Pakistan vs. Netherlands match added another layer to the ongoing debate. Rizwan’s decision to perform Namaz during a drinks break in the tournament raises questions about the appropriateness of such acts during a high-stakes international competition.
However, it’s essential to note that Pakistan’s historic victory in the opener against the Netherlands, under the captaincy of Babar Azam, marked their first-ever win in the 50-overs World Cup format on Indian soil. The team had previously played World Cup matches in India on three occasions but had never secured a victory before this momentous event.
The pivotal question arising from these incidents is whether Mohammad Rizwan is blurring the lines between his religious convictions and his professional cricket career. Critics argue that he might be using cricket as a platform to express his faith, while supporters believe that he is merely staying true to his beliefs, regardless of the setting.
Performing Namaz in front of Kafir Hindus was more important than the match. That’s the problem!
pic.twitter.com/MxjsetUuPv— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) October 15, 2023
