England’s young spinners Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir have expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistan cricket team for inviting them to join them for Friday prayers, marking a memorable cultural and spiritual experience during the current Test series.
In a gesture of camaraderie and respect, the Pakistan squad welcomed the two England players, who are of Pakistani descent, to be part of their prayer gathering, creating a unique bond between the two teams beyond the cricket field.
Rehan also thanked his own team for allowing the two to practice their faith.
“We did Friday prayers with the Pakistan team. We went to their hotel and Rizwan led the prayer. The week before that we went to the Mosque. England rearranged the team meeting for a couple of hours to make sure we could do our prayers, then come back.”
“As young guys coming in to the changing room, there has never been a question about it with England. It’s a great thing and something we don’t take for granted. The lads have always been understanding. Baz, Stokesy and the management team have always put prayers and doing whatever we need to do first, then cricket comes after. We can’t ask for anything more. We’re forever grateful for that.” Rehan said to BBC.
“It’s a great gesture by the England team. We’re allowed to be ourselves, which is the main thing. That’s what gets the best out of us, it gives us confidence going into games. There has been a change in the way people look at things now. After these incidents, it’s a positive move going forward. Let’s hope it continues.” added Bashir.
Rehan and Shoaib are currently helping their team’s efforts in the third test match at Rawalpindi. Still just aged 20 and 21 respectively, the two could form a long-standing partnership for England cricket.