As the game of cricket grows, more people are beginning to take up the sport. In nations worldwide people are starting to create a new love for the sport. And among the variety of nations are a variety of religions. The Muslim population of the game is increasing and many now play for their respective countries. The following is a list of the new uprising Muslim cricketers today. Players from Muslim populated countries i.e. Bangladesh and Pakistan are not included.
AUSTRALIA
Fawad Ahmad, a Pakistan-born Australian spinner, has achieved a lot in the short time he has played in Australia. His domestic record of 72 wickets in 20 first class games is a start that many would dream of in their cricketing careers. He was selected for the Australian Squad in August last, but was not selected the following tour. At 32 years of age, there is still enough time for this man to cement his legacy.
Usman Tariq Khawaja is a young Australian batsman who plays at number three. He is a very promising prospect and is a good option for the longer format of the game. With 12 First Class centuries Khawaja has proven he has the composure to play a long innings. But after a disappointing series in England last summer, Khawaja was dropped from the test squad and wasn’t selected for the current series in South Africa. But with his prime yet to come things are looking good for this young rookie and a good career lies before him.
ENGLAND
Moeen Ali is a young English all-rounder currently playing for Worcestershire County. He has the ability to bat long patient innings and, if necessary, can hit the ball many a mile. Also being able to bowl some devious spin, Ali is the perfect option to play in the middle order. He keeps a long beard and is a practising Muslim. His hard work paid off with his England debut on 28/02/14 against the West Indies. He scored a classy 44 and picked up a vital wicket en-route to England’s victory.
Owais Shah is a very experienced batsman who currently plays for Essex. He has had a good run in the fifty over format of the game, but not so much in the loner one. He has a staggering first class record with 45 centuries in First Class and fourteen in List A cricket. When given the chance, Shah has always played well for England, but at 35 years of age it’s not long before he will hang up his boots for good. Will Shah get one final run in the England setup?
INDIA
Zaheer Khan, a key member of the Indian squad since his debut in 2000, has been the spear of the Indian bowling attack for quite some time. His ability to swing the ball both ways has helped him pick up almost 600 wickets in international cricket. His form of late has been questioned, but he will be able to reconstruct himself in the upcoming IPL season, in which he will feature for Mumbai Indians franchise.
Mohammed Shami Ahmed is a young quick from Bengal, India. A new member in the reconstructed Indian side, Shami has the ability to swing and reverse the swing the ball. After a mere 15 first class games Shami was called up to the Indian side against Pakistan and managed to pick up a wicket whilst bowling four maidens on debut. A few months later he was called up to the test squad where he swung the West Indies out claiming a total of 9 wickets. With a partnership being formed with Bhuveneshwar Kumar, and a permanent place in the Indian squad, the sky’s the limit for Mohammed Shami Ahmed.
Irfan Pathan was at one point considered the best seam bowler India had produced since Kapil Dev. Making his debut at the tender age of 19, he was able to swing both ways at a consistent speed and terrorised batsmen all over the world. Part of the 2007 World t20 winning squad, Pathan has shown so much potential. But in 2007 Pathan was dropped from the squad due to a lack of form. Since then he has made the occasional appearance in the Indian side, most notably in the 2012 t20 World Cup. He has not been able to produce his goods since then but is still performing well on the domestic scene.
Parvez Rasool is a talented off spinning all-rounder from Jammu Kashmir, India. He has a menacing record to show it. Despite being so successful for his state, India has overlooked this naturally gifted genius. Though he was picked for the squad against Zimbabwe in late 2013, he was the only player not to have played. He is a great option and would be a great partner for someone like Jadeja or Ashwin. India should pick up this young talent quick because they are missing out on something special.
SOUTH AFRICA
Hashim Mohammad Amla is a South African batsman who is widely regarded as the best batsman today. Batting at number three, he has established himself as a world-class batsman in both formats. Not only was he the fastest man to 3000 ODI runs but was first to the 4000 run mark too. He is a practising Muslim who recites the Qur’ān before every match. With 21 test hundreds, Amla is set to achieve greatness.
Imran Tahir, a Pakistan-born South African leg spinner, is a deadly one. Despite only playing a handful of international matches, this wise bowler is the spinner in the potent South African bowling attack. With age not on his side, now turning 34, and stiff competition from the likes of Robin Peterson, Tahir will have to continue producing his best if he is to stay in the side. Having done so well on the domestic level and played for 10 different First Class teams, Tahir has a record that speaks for itself. And with his hard work finally being rewarded he should be proud of what he has accomplished.
Farhan Behardien is an explosive South African middle order batsman, who has both the ability to play fast and control his innings. A new part of the South African setup, Behardien boasts a good domestic record. He has so far not been able to replicate his success on an international level, and with his prime gone, he will have to find a new spark to reignite his flame. Also with the ability to bowl he is a good package but can he play to his full potential?
Wayne Parnell is a young, naturally gifted, South African all-rounder. He reverted to Islam in 2011 and has been a practising Muslim since. He can bowl both fast and accurate and has the ability to bat making him the perfect package. At only 24 years old Parnell has the opportunity to become a world-class bowler.
SRI LANKA
Farveez Mahroof is a young Sri Lankan all-rounder who has been in and out of the Sri Lankan squad for some time now. With over 100 ODIs and 22 Tests, Mahroof’s record speaks for itself. But with stiff competition from fellow players Mahroof will really need to up his game if he is to be a regular starter.
Jehan Mubarak, like his fellow Sri Lankan teammate Farveez Mahroof, has struggled to keep his place in the Sri Lankan squad. As an all-rounder, he has a lot of experience. But unlike with his teammate, time is running out for Mubarak. At 33 years of age he needs to up his game to become a regular player in the Lankan team.