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Mohammad Rizwan fasting during tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe

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Babar Azam stated post-match that Rizwan was fasting today.

"Rizwan played an outstanding innings for us today and I give him full credit for what is a very difficult thing to do as he was fasting and during that he batted and kept wickets also; Watching him gave me so much strength and this is the kind of thing that helps the team gel as well"
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As long as it doesn't hamper their performance, they should be free to do so.

My opinion is that it is very unlikely that you can perform at 100% while fasting, but if Rizwan can perform the way he did today, there is no reason why he shouldn't fast.
 
Not a fan of this, they can fast on off days after Ramzan but fasting on match days will hamper performance and could also be a health risk.
 
While I think it's unwise to fast while playing, I have a lot of respect for those who do. Rizwan was giving it his absolute all, sprinting for every run and diving even when it may not be necessary.
 
Tubs said:
While I think it's unwise to fast while playing, I have a lot of respect for those who do. Rizwan was giving it his absolute all, sprinting for every run and diving even when it may not be necessary.
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Should not be fasting.
 
Gotta love all these couch potatoes concerned about fasting hampering the performance of the best athlete in the team. As a 14-15 year old, I used to fast while playing soccer in the sweltering heat of Sharjah on a sandy ground. It's certainly no where as difficult as some make it out to be.

Alhamdulillah, our Deen is the Truth so it is beautiful and practical but if someone does choose to fast, there is no need for you folks to judge him.
 
Mean&Green said:
Should not be fasting.
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Agreed. If you've seen me in the Off Topic section, you'll know I'm not religious at all. While I think he shouldn't be doing it, it is still commendable that he performed so well.
 
Tubs said:
Agreed. If you've seen me in the Off Topic section, you'll know I'm not religious at all. While I think he shouldn't be doing it, it is still commendable that he performed so well.
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Yes that is commendable but very dangerous as well though it’s a personal choice but I don’t recommend it my opinion
 
Mean&Green said:
Yes that is commendable but very dangerous as well though it’s a personal choice but I don’t recommend it my opinion
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Very dangerous for overweight unkills and couch potatoes who play Cricket 19. If soccer players can fast, cricketers definitely can as well.
 
As long as it doesn't hamper their performance, they should be free to fast.

In my opinion, it is highly unlikely that an athlete can operate at the optimal level while fasting, which is why I think it shouldn't be done, but if guys like Rizwan can fast and perform like that, all power to them.
 
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Bilal7 said:
Very dangerous for overweight unkills and couch potatoes who play Cricket 19. If soccer players can fast, cricketers definitely can as well.
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Not everyone has the same level of fitness. Rizwan is a supremely fit athlete and manages to perform well even while fasting. Players like Babar or Hafeez might not be able to do so, even though aren't overweight or unfit.

So, say that cricketers can definitely fast, as a blanket statement, is wrong.
 
In my opinion soldiers (during war), sportsmen (during match), surgeons (during operations), students (during exams) should not fast in Ramadan.
 
Snowflake said:
Not everyone has the same level of fitness. Rizwan is a supremely fit athlete and manages to perform well even while fasting. Players like Babar or Hafeez might not be able to do so, even though aren't overweight or unfit.

So, say that cricketers can definitely fast, as a blanket statement, is wrong.
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There is no need to post for the sake of it. I never claimed every cricketer can or should fast. Regardless, why do you care what Rizwan is doing? If he wants to get more hasanat, why does that bother some of these "fans"?
 
There’s been some studies done that fasting / being on an empty stomach may improve performance in sports related activity. It’s not sustainable, but you get a boost in strength related to hunter gatherer times where they would be more driven to chase down prey when they’d be depleted of food.

In any case this should silence any doubt about these guys in t20s at least. I’ll admit, before this series I considered Babar good but not great. Now, Babar tussi great hai
 
Bilal7 said:
There is no need to post for the sake of it. I never claimed every cricketer can or should fast. Regardless, why do you care what Rizwan is doing? If he wants to get more hasanat, why does that bother some of these "fans"?
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Yep, disgusted with half of the comments. If the person has the ability let them do so. The test players however will have an easier time because for them they can choose not to fast and catch up with the fasts afterwards easily.

May Allah give him reward and others fasting also.
 
Shoaibbtt said:
Yep, disgusted with half of the comments. If the person has the ability let them do so. The test players however will have an easier time because for them they can choose not to fast and catch up with the fasts afterwards easily.

May Allah give him reward and others fasting also.
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Exactly. Rizwan is a professional who cares far more about his own life and his own hereafter than any of these "fans". Go set your own priorities straight and if anything, ask yourself why you are such a wimp and skip fasts on the flimsiest of excuses when another human being is doing it while playing a professional sport. Rizwan should be a role-model, not someone you judge.

Ameen. Have a blessed Ramadan, brother.
 
"If u help (the cause) Allah then Allah helps you"
ان تنصروا اللہ ینصرکم
Rizwan put in more than many non fasting players no doubt.
 
Bilal7 said:
There is no need to post for the sake of it. I never claimed every cricketer can or should fast. Regardless, why do you care what Rizwan is doing? If he wants to get more hasanat, why does that bother some of these "fans"?
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I do not think I need I need your approval to post here, but thanks for the unsolicited advise.

You said cricketers can definitely fast, which is not true as it is contingent of the fitness level of the individual.

When did I say I am bothered with what Rizwan is doing? In fact, I said more power to Rizwan because it doesn't look like fasting is hampering his performance. Are you making things up now?
 
I guess the players are doing this after following medical advice.

I know I was playing cricket with a guy who was a very good athlete and he collapsed whilst playing a club match when fasting. He was advised by his doctor not to do it.
 
Snowflake said:
I do not think I need I need your approval to post here, but thanks for the unsolicited advise.

You said cricketers can definitely fast, which is not true as it is contingent of the fitness level of the individual.

When did I say I am bothered with what Rizwan is doing? In fact, I said more power to Rizwan because it doesn't look like fasting is hampering his performance. Are you making things up now?
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Not all cricketers should or can fast. The permission to skip fasts exists for a reason.
 
Great stuff by Rizwan, he is a pretty good role model for young cricketers.

Those who have a problem with this should really just learn to deal with it cause I doubt anyone will or should stop Rizwan or any other Pakistani cricketer from fasting.
 
Hashim Amla scored 311 while fasting. So I guess it doesn't hamper your performance as much as we think.
 
Have said this before, Rizwan seems like the guy who will have a massive impact on Pakistan's cricket fortunes. I am not a religious person so not my place to comment on whether or not he should fast while playing, but overall of all the Pakistan cricketers I have seen in last 15-20 years, he comes across as a very different person - confident, humble, wins matches, performs under pressure and most importantly doesn't invite any controversy. He will eventually be the captain of Pakistani team.
 
Tiger of Pakistan cricket. Lucky to have him in our ranks. One of the best.
 
Muhammad Kaleem said:
In my opinion soldiers (during war), sportsmen (during match), surgeons (during operations), students (during exams) should not fast in Ramadan.
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What is you're assessment based on? There are people in many walks of life that fast during ramadan and perform well if not better than those not fasting.

The prophet PBUH and the companions fasted during wars.
 
Bilal7 said:
Exactly. Rizwan is a professional who cares far more about his own life and his own hereafter than any of these "fans". Go set your own priorities straight and if anything, ask yourself why you are such a wimp and skip fasts on the flimsiest of excuses when another human being is doing it while playing a professional sport. Rizwan should be a role-model, not someone you judge.

Ameen. Have a blessed Ramadan, brother.
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Thanks bhai, may you have a blessed Ramadan also and may Allah accept your fasting, charity, Quran recitation, namaz reading etc during this month and the same goes to your loved ones. Ramadan Kareem.

Yep, some people make poor excuses but he's done it and props to him, however if you opted to not fast it's not for us to judge either because thirst can be a factor and fasting can be made up afterwards as well.
 
Fasting while drinking water is not detrimental to the health and many people around the world do intermittent fasting. Its fasting without water of Islam which is going to sap your strength, stamina and concentration during the day. If you are a soldier engaged in a war, dont fast for the sake of your country. If you are a surgeon and is going to operate, dont fast for the sake of your patient. If you are a student and you have exams, dont fast for the sake of your future and for the sake of your parents.


wakkkLDN said:
The prophet PBUH and the companions fasted during wars.
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Some one can correct me on that but i recall from a book of seerah that the Prophet (pbuh) and some of his companions missed some prayers and fastings during the battle of trench which was labour-intensive.
 
Lots of respect for Rizwan, I know Rashid Khan and most Afghan players also fast on match days.

Hashim once said in an interview that he does NOT fast during match days but makes up for it during other days as soon as possible after Ramzan. That was to clarify on rumors that he was fasting during his 311*. He said he was not taking drinks during drinks break as a mark of respect for those fasting.

I'd say let's leave it to the players, for me personally, I think if your body allows it then surely go for it, else make up for it as soon as possible after Ramzan.
 
pretty sure its no the first time hes done it. if hes been doing it since young clearly hes conditioned himself, and to ppl who worry about his performance, given hes a devout muslim, surely fasting allows him to best concentrate on the game and not fasting may mentally perturb him.

each person knows there own body, and unless the medical team tell him not to, i dont think people here can really pass judgement.
 
It's a personal choice between him and his Allah.

Nothing is going to stop him if his beliefs are that firm. That was proven today.
 
Sunzi said:
It's a personal choice between him and his Allah.

Nothing is going to stop him if his beliefs are that firm. That was proven today.
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Was looking for a new avatar and stumbled upon an article that reported that Rizwan prayed Maghrib during the drinks break in a T20 when SA toured Pak. If he is as devoted to his beliefs as it appears, fasting will affect him of course but will not deter him from undertaking his religious obligations.
 
Fact number 1: it’s his personal choice what he does. Even if it affects his performance, that’s on the captain to make the best call for the team.

Fact number 2: the fitness required to do what he did today is INSANE. To keep wickets but then come out and bat for 20 overs, chasing a huge score, sprinting so many twos, hit boundaries etc. And by the end, Babar looked far more tired than him.
 
My top 5 scores as a number 4 batsman all came while fasting.

I always found fasting improved my concentration levels.
 
gazza619 said:
My top 5 scores as a number 4 batsman all came while fasting.

I always found fasting improved my concentration levels.
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Agreed. From personal experience the first 2 or 3 days can feel draining but after that I'm able to shed the lethargy and feel like concentration levels and general alertness are improved.
 
Sunzi said:
Was looking for a new avatar and stumbled upon an article that reported that Rizwan prayed Maghrib during the drinks break in a T20 when SA toured Pak. If he is as devoted to his beliefs as it appears, fasting will affect him of course but will not deter him from undertaking his religious obligations.
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He's done it quite a few times. In domestic matches too, so it's not just for the cameras, as some would allege.
 
Saj said:
He's done it quite a few times. In domestic matches too, so it's not just for the cameras, as some would allege.
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Which just further substantiates the point I'm trying to make that if one is firm by their beliefs, nothing is going to stop them in observing their faith as they see fit.

I find Rizwan really inspiring for what I see of him as a cricketer and a person. It's not only commendable but admirable. I thoroughly enjoy watching him play.
 
he was out their for 38 overs and ran sprinted 2s while diving his fitness is insane more blessings to you sir rizwan.
 
There is speculation that the pilot in the PIA crash in Karachi last May was fasting. No doubt a fasting pilot's judgement is negatively affected in times of crisis.
 
Shah said:
There is speculation that the pilot in the PIA crash in Karachi last May was fasting. No doubt a fasting pilot's judgement is negatively affected in times of crisis.
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I find that hard to believe. PIA is a mis-managed organisation run by goons and most pilots are unfit to even drive cars let alone fly planes.
 
Kudos to Rizwan for doing this. I seem to recall a lot of players used to fast from the 90s team while playing matches especially remember Saeed Anwar playing some sublime innings while fasting. And as someone rightly pointed out, if there is a health risk that has been identified by a doctor, it may be ok to miss the fast, otherwise it is better to be fasting.
 
It is a personal thing depending on willpower and spiritual strength. Some cricketers have the stamina to fast whilst playing where as others don't.
 
I remember Younis Khan was also fasting during the world t20 07 match against SL where Pak scored 189 and Younis was the chief destroyer with setting up the tempo of the match with 2 or 3 sixes against Jayasuria. He scored a very good fifty and was MOM as well. And in between the over, the iftar time had arrived, and one of our players went out to bring him dates and water if i remember correctly. Was the first instance I was that impressed by a cricketer.

Younis in his days was known for being among the fittest (played till 43 unofficially without ever getting tired during a match). Rizwan too, probably has the best fitness amongst everyone in the squad.
 
Muhammad Kaleem said:
In my opinion soldiers (during war), sportsmen (during match), surgeons (during operations), students (during exams) should not fast in Ramadan.
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I did exams when fasting in Ramadan and scored well on them. The religious rulings and exemptions related to fasting are not based on personal opinions. Rizwan’s performance was not hampered by his fasting so he should not be criticised for it.
 
it's all mental imo if I recall the legendary nba player Hakeem Olajuan used to fast while playing basketball.
 
A very commendable feat, to keep wicket the whole 1st innings and then bat the entire 2nd innings while fasting. Just raises my respect even further for him.
 
Shows not only his fitness but character as well. Seems like a very committed person.
 
Muhammad Kaleem said:
In my opinion soldiers (during war), sportsmen (during match), surgeons (during operations), students (during exams) should not fast in Ramadan.
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Man these are a soft bunch of students, exams are not a physical activity

I mean if this is actually an excuse than disgraceful to say the least
 
Muhammad Kaleem said:
In my opinion soldiers (during war), sportsmen (during match), surgeons (during operations), students (during exams) should not fast in Ramadan.
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Good thing there are actual rulings on the matter as opposed to one expressing their opinion.
 
Can't believe people complaining about fasting knowing that its compulsory in Islam and leaving without any proper reason (sickness) is consider to be a grave sin.
Great job by Rizwan. None of these people can help him in the day of judgement against wrath of ALLAH.
 
If he does or doesn’t its his concern.

Why is this brought up, does he want a medal?
 
People shouldnt care if someone fasts or not. Its a personal matter as is all religious matters.

You do it for personal gratification.

This shouldnt be glorified
 
Personal choice he can do what he wants, he should fast every game if he plays like that :))

But on a serious note i have seen many farmers , labourers in countries like pakistan, dubai, qatar etc work very hard in the sweltering heat whilst fasting, and then opening thei fast with the most basic of foods as they are so poor, a cricket professionals job is hard, but in comparison?
 
Bigboii said:
Man these are a soft bunch of students, exams are not a physical activity

I mean if this is actually an excuse than disgraceful to say the least
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But it is mentally demanding. And there is clear evidence to show a link between hydration and cognition.
 
Shafi said:
Can't believe people complaining about fasting knowing that its compulsory in Islam and leaving without any proper reason (sickness) is consider to be a grave sin.
Great job by Rizwan. None of these people can help him in the day of judgement against wrath of ALLAH.
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This!

If it doesn't make him physically ill or medically exempt then he has no reason not to fast. Nor do any of us

If there is a possibility that keeping a fast is a danger to his health then there may be excuses. He knows his body and if he can manage then he should.

Good on him
 
Sunzi said:
Which just further substantiates the point I'm trying to make that if one is firm by their beliefs, nothing is going to stop them in observing their faith as they see fit.

I find Rizwan really inspiring for what I see of him as a cricketer and a person. It's not only commendable but admirable. I thoroughly enjoy watching him play.
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Absolutely.

As I wrote, a much-needed breath of fresh air for Pakistan Cricket and already a wonderful role-model.
 
So two ducks in 4 games for Rizwan. Still think that his fasting had no effect on him? The body's reaction time and the ability of the brain to think are both affected. How do you get stumped off the 3rd ball of a match?
 
Shah said:
So two ducks in 4 games for Rizwan. Still think that his fasting had no effect on him? The body's reaction time and the ability of the brain to think are both affected. How do you get stumped off the 3rd ball of a match?
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Was the first duck during Ramadan?
 
It’s a players personal preference if they want to fast or nor during a game. We should respect whatever decision they make.
 
Hasan123 said:
It’s a players personal preference if they want to fast or nor during a game. We should respect whatever decision they make.
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I hear what you are saying.
Why not give a fasting player the option to tell management that he cannot play as he is fasting? This will give other players a chance.

It is ok if you are a programmer or an accountant working from home to fast as your performance does not affect the whole nation. However, if you are a national team player and 220 million people are depending upon you to perform, then it changes the scenario a bit.
 
Shah said:
I hear what you are saying.
Why not give a fasting player the option to tell management that he cannot play as he is fasting? This will give other players a chance.

It is ok if you are a programmer or an accountant working from home to fast as your performance does not affect the whole nation. However, if you are a national team player and 220 million people are depending upon you to perform, then it changes the scenario a bit.
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Well it’s a players decision if they want to play whilst fasting. I’m sure the team management will have been consulted.
 
Shah said:
So two ducks in 4 games for Rizwan. Still think that his fasting had no effect on him? The body's reaction time and the ability of the brain to think are both affected. How do you get stumped off the 3rd ball of a match?
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How did he manage to score runs off the other games ?
 
Am not sure what the issue is rizwan kept fasts which was his own choice and the management were okay with that.I hope he continues shinning a true warrior.however if someone doesn't fast because they may fall ill then I belive its fine.
 
He should have his priority set, if he does not want to skip fasting, he should not play, simple is that .

No one can give his 100% while fasting and he is paid to give his 100% on match day.
 
Shah said:
I hear what you are saying.
Why not give a fasting player the option to tell management that he cannot play as he is fasting? This will give other players a chance.

It is ok if you are a programmer or an accountant working from home to fast as your performance does not affect the whole nation. However, if you are a national team player and 220 million people are depending upon you to perform, then it changes the scenario a bit.
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I don't think it has much of an impact as you think. These are well conditioned athletes, who know how their body works. They can cope with fasting, it is not just Rizwan fasting, some footballers are fasting whilst playing also. You conveniently ignored the innings he played in the 3rd game which helped win the game.
 
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