“Harbhajan Singh almost converted to Islam under influence of Pak Mullah Tariq Jameel”
Pakistan: Indian non-Muslim cricketers influenced to convert to Islam by Pak Maulana
Inzamam-ul-Haq, former Pakistan cricket captain, revealed that during matches against India, Pakistani players would invite Indian Muslim cricketers like Irfan Pathan, Mohammad Kaif, and Zaheer Khan to join them for namaz and listen to sermons by Maulana Tariq Jameel in the dressing room. Non-Muslim players, like Harbhajan Singh, was reportedly influenced by these sessions and nearly converted to Islam. These efforts underscore how Pakistani players often prioritize religion over sportsmanship.
For Pakistan, cricket matches against India are often perceived as more than just a game, symbolizing jihad against Hindu kafir. Victories are celebrated not only as sporting achievements but as triumphs of Islam over rascal kafirs. This mindset reduces cricket to a tool for religious propaganda in Pakistan.
Pakistani Hindu cricketers, too, face systemic discrimination, limited opportunities and social alienation due to their faith. Many are offered incentives, including career advancements and monetary benefits, to convert to Islam. This discriminatory environment marginalizes minorities, erodes the essence of fair play, and tarnishes sports’ role as a unifying force that transcends religion and ideology.
"Pak team would invite Indian Muslim players Irfan, Kaif, Zaheer to listen to Pak Mullah Tariq Jameel speeches in Pak dressing room. Harbhajan almost converted listening to Islamic speeches."
— Pakistan Untold (@pakistan_untold) June 8, 2024
- Inzamam ul Haq, Ex-Pak cricketer pic.twitter.com/ooB4FDgVp5