A major controversy has erupted in Pakistan cricket after Imam-ul-Haq’s comments on Mohammad Rizwan’s religious influence within the national team. Speaking on the Ultra Edge Podcast, Imam revealed that Rizwan actively organizes team prayers, sets up prayer rooms in hotels, and manages a WhatsApp group dedicated to Namaz schedules. He also mentioned that non-Muslim players were reportedly restricted from entering these designated prayer spaces.
The revelations have triggered debates across the cricketing world, especially amid Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
What Imam-ul-Haq Said About Rizwan’s Practices
Imam-ul-Haq detailed how Rizwan, known for his deep religious beliefs, has introduced several practices within the Pakistan cricket team:
- Dedicated prayer spaces in team hotels and dressing rooms.
- A WhatsApp group for scheduling Namaz timings.
- White sheets spread for prayers in common areas.
- Non-Muslim players reportedly not included in these religious activities.
While Imam himself acknowledged Rizwan’s devotion to faith, the discussion has raised questions about inclusivity within the Pakistan cricket team.
Backlash and Social Media Reactions
These revelations have sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with many questioning whether such strong religious influence impacts team unity and performance. Some fans believe faith is a personal choice and should not be institutionalized within a professional cricketing environment. Others argue that prayer culture has long been a part of Pakistan’s team, dating back to players like Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Criticism has also resurfaced regarding Danish Kaneria’s past allegations of religious discrimination within the team. The former leg-spinner, one of Pakistan’s few Hindu cricketers, has previously stated that he faced bias due to his faith and was often excluded from team activities.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Exit Adds Fuel to the Fire
The timing of this controversy is significant as Pakistan has crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after back-to-back defeats against India and New Zealand in the group stage. Many former cricketers and analysts have pointed out Pakistan’s lack of focus and strategy, questioning whether non-cricketing distractions are affecting the team’s performance.
- Babar Azam’s captaincy has been under scrutiny, with reports suggesting internal team tensions.
- PCB is likely to undergo leadership changes, possibly impacting Rizwan’s role within the squad.
- Calls for a reset in team management are growing louder as Pakistan faces another ICC failure.
What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket?
With Pakistan’s World Cup campaign falling apart, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may take action to address internal concerns, including team culture and leadership dynamics. Rizwan remains a key player for Pakistan, but the ongoing discussions may force PCB to evaluate whether religious practices are influencing team harmony.
As Pakistan cricket faces another critical moment, the focus must shift back to building a united, high-performing team rather than off-field controversies.
