On the topic of cricket, read this interesting interview of
Mushtaq Ahmed.
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Finding my religion
How did the change from a boisterous young cricketer to this serene alter ego come about? Some have said the match-fixing controversy of the 1990s damaged Mushtaq, and that his religious turn was inspired by a desire for redemption.
He only offers a lack of peace of mind as the reason. "I had got wickets, I had played for Pakistan, but peace was missing. If you have a new car and are getting worried that someone will smash it, then what's the use of that car?"
It was a former team-mate who first sowed the seeds of faith in Mushtaq. "Zulqarnain - you remember the Sharjah game where [Javed] Miandad hit that last ball six? He was the wicketkeeper - had turned religious and took lots of effort to teach me. He said we would have to leave this world sooner rather than later. 'Have you prepared for the last world?' he asked me.
"I did take a little bit of time. He was a big influence. Then, of course, Saeed Anwar. The real change came after the 1999 World Cup."
Mushtaq's concern about the afterlife has had a big impact on his here and now. It has helped his cricket flourish. "I didn't worry about the results. You realise destiny is not in your hand. I started to enjoy the game more.
"There is a prayer I say a lot: 'Oh mighty Allah, show me the direction that you like and not what I like.' As human beings, we make mistakes."
On that note, the chat is over and he gets up as he spots Rana Naved-ul-Hasan. "Rana, namaaz ka waqt ho gaya na? Chalen?" (Isn't it time for namaz? Let's go.)
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Also, read this inteview of
Saqlain Mushtaq ( a little older though)
Quote:
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Sitting comfortably in a fold-up chair in the Players' Dining Room outside the Surrey dressing room after the first day of the game against Kent at The Oval, arms moving about as he simulates bowling actions and shots batsmen have attempted against him, Saqlain Mushtaq looks every bit the seasoned cricketer. Add on the flowing beard and Islamic skull cap and he resembles something of a sage. Listen to sport and religion blend together in his conversation and you're taken in by his boyish simplicity. Place it all in perspective of where he's been the last few years, and you have a man relishing another chance to play cricket.
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