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[VIDEOS] Players fasting while playing cricket

Salman

Salman

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Plenty of Muslim cricketers featuring in most of the CT teams, just wondering which cricketers are likely to be fasting during their CT clashes, are they encouraged not to do so by their management on match days? Whats the PCB's take on it?

Fasting is currently 18 hours + in the UK right now, surely it can effect a players performance and stamina. Is India at an advantage here on Sunday's clash with Pakistan?
 
I doubt they will be fasting on game days given the length of fasts in the UK currently. Probably becomes a bit of a health concern.
 
QalandarFan said:
Can't say about others but quite sure Hashim Amla does, and will.
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no he doesnt

it was a lie concocted by the late televangelist Junaid Jamshed but was later denied by Amla, CSA
 
Deewana Mastana said:
Moeen Ali, Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir and Adil Rashid.
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Hashim Amla doesn't fast when playing cricket.

In my opinion, it would be insane to fast while playing at a professional level. You need the fluids to avoid dehydration and you have mitigating circumstances.

Even travelers are allowed a break in fast.

So all those cricketers you mentioned might not fast during playing and that would be quite logical and sensible.
 
Modern day cricket, especially limited overs, is too intense for a player to fast. Its not the 90s anymore

But then again Pakistan does play 90s one day cricket and are stuck in a time warp so the players might as well be fasting
 
Most cricketers don't on match days. I remember watching an interview of Hashim Amla when SA toured England. He specifically said he doesn't fast on match days and also referred to being a traveller away from home which meant he could make them up at a later date.
 
I wonder what our chief selector's take on this is, Inzamam used to fast during matches and bat all day in tests wearing a thick full sleeve jumper in the beltering heat.
 
Their travelling and going by Islamic rules they can fast after their travel is over
 
It would be unprofessional to fast in such a situation imo. They'd be letting their teammates and supporters down.
 
They can use traveller's exemption from fasting.

From a legal islamic point of view a cricket match is not a valid reason to skip a fast unless ofcourse your health gets affected.
 
SM1989 said:
They can use traveller's exemption from fasting.

From a legal islamic point of view a cricket match is not a valid reason to skip a fast unless ofcourse your health gets affected.
Click to expand...

They are professionals and travelling away from home, not playing game for recreation
 
From our local radio station of Cape Town 'Voice of the Cape' comes the news that Hashim Amla, Imran Tahir and Waleed Parnel will not be fasting on match days but will observe the fast on the other days
 
No advantage if fasting players manage sleep and diet appropriately. Good intake of liquid (3-4 litres per meal perhaps) during non-fasting hours and slow energy releasing food like banana should ensure optimal performances.

Fasting while playing is too common in football. Many studies have actually claimed that fasting improves an athlete's performance -- if he maintains a specially designed sleep and nutrition cycle in the month (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22769241, http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02640410802614944, http://af.reuters.com/article/algeriaNews/idAFL4N0P43ZS20140623).
[MENTION=96]Salman[/MENTION], fasting is 15.3 hours in London, slight variations in other cities, not 18
 
KyoOne said:
No advantage if fasting players manage sleep and diet appropriately. Good intake of liquid (3-4 litres per meal perhaps) during non-fasting hours and slow energy releasing food like banana should ensure optimal performances.

Fasting while playing is too common in football. Many studies have actually claimed that fasting improves an athlete's performance -- if he maintains a specially designed sleep and nutrition cycle in the month (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22769241, http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02640410802614944, http://af.reuters.com/article/algeriaNews/idAFL4N0P43ZS20140623).
[MENTION=96]Salman[/MENTION], fasting is 15.3 hours in London, slight variations in other cities, not 18
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I am living in London and we fast from 3am-ish to 9pm-ish thats 18 hours
 
They should not fast either on match day or free day it is as simple as that
 
KyoOne said:
No advantage if fasting players manage sleep and diet appropriately. Good intake of liquid (3-4 litres per meal perhaps) during non-fasting hours and slow energy releasing food like banana should ensure optimal performances.

Fasting while playing is too common in football. Many studies have actually claimed that fasting improves an athlete's performance -- if he maintains a specially designed sleep and nutrition cycle in the month (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22769241, http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02640410802614944, http://af.reuters.com/article/algeriaNews/idAFL4N0P43ZS20140623).
[MENTION=96]Salman[/MENTION], fasting is 15.3 hours in London, slight variations in other cities, not 18
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No, for example today, sehri is at 02.56 and iftar is at 21.10, that's over 18 hours.
 
Syed1 said:
I hope they don't fast..
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I thought it was common knowledge that Moin Ali always fasts during Ramadan as he is doing right now:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-...-moeen-ali-ramadan-fast-makes-me-feel-sharper

He actually had 2 really good games so out goes the theory that fasting somehow worsens your performance. But agree it is up to the individual if they want to fast or not. Also as in the the case of Amla and the Pakistan/Bangladesh team for example, they are can be classified as travelers so can make up later...
 
JibranAnsari said:
Its a religious obligation and a muslim should prefer it over playing a cricket match.
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This. I personally would hold any player who pulled out of the Champions Trophy for Ramadan in very high regard being a muslim.

However at the end of the day each person will be responsible for his own choices and we are not in a position to force anyone to fast or not fast. Its their choice.
 
From what i heard there are exceptions like diabetic patient can forego. So i am sure this will fall under exceptions.
 
According to islamic teaching, If you're traveling , you don;t have to fast and should not fast and you can compensate it by fasting at a later day. These players don;t have to fast and should not fast during CT.
 
SM1989 said:
I would hold them in very high regard based on my personal beliefs and convictions. There are bigger things than a cricket match.
Click to expand...

There are bigger things than a forum too.

There are bigger things than surgical operations which doctors have to perform to save lives for sometimes 12 hours on the trot to save a life.

What would you say then?

Every professional should shut shop and focus on bigger things? And forget his duties?
 
NeVerMind said:
I thought it was common knowledge that Moin Ali always fasts during Ramadan as he is doing right now:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-...-moeen-ali-ramadan-fast-makes-me-feel-sharper

He actually had 2 really good games so out goes the theory that fasting somehow worsens your performance. But agree it is up to the individual if they want to fast or not. Also as in the the case of Amla and the Pakistan/Bangladesh team for example, they are can be classified as travelers so can make up later...
Click to expand...

correction...Moin only played one match while fasting but scored a not bad 33 off 19 balls and got a wicket too...
 
Amirforpresident said:
How would you react if the whole Pakistani team did not participate in the CT because of Ramadan.
Click to expand...
This would be ridiculous and against the teaching of Islam too. If you are traveling and particularly for work, you can skip fasting and observe fasting on your returning home. Players are at work, they are traveling and millions of Pakistani looking for their performance and they cannot be spoil it by fasting which they don't have to during CT.

Pakistanis are strange people, they would not mind people cheating, lying, committing big corruptions but when it comes to fasting, rather than minding their own business they will start commenting on people's and players religious obligations. God will not ask you about Pakistani players conduct, you will be answering your own acts on the day of justice.
 
If a player doesnt want to skip fasting during CT, he should not play and fast. You cannot give your 100% while fasting and this would not be fair.
 
JibranAnsari said:
Its a religious obligation and a muslim should prefer it over playing a cricket match.
Click to expand...

And, skip cricket for that one month, playing cricket and fasting would be cheating, you cannot perform at your 100% while fasting, can you ?
 
moghul said:
And, skip cricket for that one month, playing cricket and fasting would be cheating, you cannot perform at your 100% while fasting, can you ?
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Its not cheating , i have seen labors working under 45 degrees sun and still fasting
 
SM1989 said:
This. I personally would hold any player who pulled out of the Champions Trophy for Ramadan in very high regard being a muslim.

However at the end of the day each person will be responsible for his own choices and we are not in a position to force anyone to fast or not fast. Its their choice.
Click to expand...

Yah , no one is forcing them to fast but fasting is fard and if there isnt any absolute necessity you must fast. Just my point of view.
 
Glad there is a religious exemption to fasting while traveling otherwise can't even imagine actions being controlled by simple common sense that you need to be in prime shape while performing in your chosen profession which pays you a lot of money.
 
They'd be really daft to fast for 18 hours while playing a professional sport. You simply cannot field for 50 overs and then come out to bat (or vice versa) without it affecting your performance levels. Anyone who wants to fast should sit out the game, plain and simple.
 
JibranAnsari said:
Its not cheating , i have seen labors working under 45 degrees sun and still fasting
Click to expand...

Labors work for themselves and its their personal decision, Pakistani players are playing for a nation of 20 millions and being paid by them.
 
Zaz said:
Agree In the hands of jaahils this religion has been turned into a backwards, constraining set of rules when in reality the opposite is true

None of the players should be fasting and if they are i fully expect them not to be picked with their position in the team on the line
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As I have made it clear, it is up to the players if they want to fast. Moin Ali fasts and says he is the better for it so who are you to judge and tell who can fast and who cannot? England played him on the 27th when he was fasting and his performance was pretty good.
 
These guys are sportsmen and their duties to their employers and paying fans is to be at their best physically and mentally on the pitch which isnt possible if they are fasting for 19 hours a day

If they want to fast then fair enough but they then shouldnt be considered for selection in the squads if fasting is their preference
 
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Dr_Bassim said:
There are bigger things than a forum too.

There are bigger things than surgical operations which doctors have to perform to save lives for sometimes 12 hours on the trot to save a life.

What would you say then?

Every professional should shut shop and focus on bigger things? And forget his duties?
Click to expand...

I would say it is not fair to compare doctors who save lives, to cricketers who are merely providing entertainment in the grand scheme of things.

And even in that case those doctors are not exempt from fasting unless of course it is proven that the situation is dire and what not.
 
No they aren't.

At the warm-up matches they were all drinking water and eating bananas etc.
 
Zaz said:
Agree In the hands of jaahils this religion has been turned into a backwards, constraining set of rules when in reality the opposite is true

None of the players should be fasting and if they are i fully expect them not to be picked with their position in the team on the line
Click to expand...

It should be left with players & Coaching staff - if the player is willing & Coaching staff is comfortable (that it won't affect performance - or other way, that fasting player is still better than available others), it shouldn't be any problem.

It's not only a sub-continent staff - entire Algerian team was fasting in WC 2014, and they are the team probably stressed Germany most, that too over 120 minutes. The 2 seasons Hakeem (Olajuwon) won NBA Ring with Rockets (& MVP for regular season & Final), Ramadan was observed between January-February & he fasted for entire month, plying every game, even the All-Star game.

Sometimes, it gives players spiritual strength.
 
How about you mind your own business ? If they want to perform well on the field they will have to be well fed and hydrated. Some people want cricketers to behave like how they imagined them to be. Some of you will break religious obligations for your career and work but judge others when others do it. Some of you should be ashamed of your thinking.
 
They should be banned from fasting and if anyone is caught doing it, they should be sent back home.
 
It's going to be really tough fasting and playing in a competitive tournament.. Wish them luck if they chose to fast..
 
It's upto the players, if they want to fast I don't have a problem. But don't think they will be fasting.
 
The_Odd_One said:
They should be banned from fasting and if anyone is caught doing it, they should be sent back home.
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Agreed. I remember Algeria soccer team was fasting in a worldcup game, and their fans did not like it. I am surprised some posters will put these players in "high regards". I am no scholar, but I know I am not supposed to fast when I am travelling and/or if it will impact my health.

Also, I am surprised to see so many religious sentiments in a sports forum.
 
All of you're mixing faith, personal beliefs against being professional and adhering to ethics. We are no one to judge anyone based on their action to skip a fast and abide by their professional commitment. If they are making it up for it and maybe (and InshaAllah) Allah is OK with that then why spend hours talking about it here? It's their personal decision. Just because Hakeem Olajuwon can fast while playing basketball does not mean everyone can or should.
 
They will lose to India because they chose not to fast.
 
MMHS said:
It should be left with players & Coaching staff - if the player is willing & Coaching staff is comfortable (that it won't affect performance - or other way, that fasting player is still better than available others), it shouldn't be any problem.

It's not only a sub-continent staff - entire Algerian team was fasting in WC 2014, and they are the team probably stressed Germany most, that too over 120 minutes. The 2 seasons Hakeem (Olajuwon) won NBA Ring with Rockets (& MVP for regular season & Final), Ramadan was observed between January-February & he fasted for entire month, plying every game, even the All-Star game.

Sometimes, it gives players spiritual strength.
Click to expand...
In January-February in Houston, US, the Iftar is at 6-7 PM, and almost all of the games start at 8 PM. So Hakeem would have enough time for a small pre-game meal and he would be able to hydrate during the game. So Hakeem was most likely not fasting while playing.
 
Salman said:
Plenty of Muslim cricketers featuring in most of the CT teams, just wondering which cricketers are likely to be fasting during their CT clashes, are they encouraged not to do so by their management on match days? Whats the PCB's take on it?

Fasting is currently 18 hours + in the UK right now, surely it can effect a players performance and stamina. Is India at an advantage here on Sunday's clash with Pakistan?
Click to expand...

There must be guideline from PCB in this case. I think the guideline is that PCB has left it to each player to fast or not to fast. I think players should ask islamic scholars (ulmas) of what to do in this case.
 
Would be highly irresponsible and unprofessional if they are fasting. They can't be training properly if they are fasting. During games is of course impossible.
 
Rayyman said:
In January-February in Houston, US, the Iftar is at 6-7 PM, and almost all of the games start at 8 PM. So Hakeem would have enough time for a small pre-game meal and he would be able to hydrate during the game. So Hakeem was most likely not fasting while playing.
Click to expand...

He fasted all month & he played almost every game - many of those were not in Houston (On Road) & in week-ends, matches starting between 12PM to 6PM.
 
It's okay in T20s, but too difficult to do in longer formats and still perform at a high level.
 
Dr_Bassim said:
Hashim Amla doesn't fast when playing cricket.

In my opinion, it would be insane to fast while playing at a professional level. You need the fluids to avoid dehydration and you have mitigating circumstances.

Even travelers are allowed a break in fast.

So all those cricketers you mentioned might not fast during playing and that would be quite logical and sensible.
Click to expand...

ahmed16 said:
Most cricketers don't on match days. I remember watching an interview of Hashim Amla when SA toured England. He specifically said he doesn't fast on match days and also referred to being a traveller away from home which meant he could make them up at a later date.
Click to expand...

hur rizvi said:
Their travelling and going by Islamic rules they can fast after their travel is over
Click to expand...

SM1989 said:
They can use traveller's exemption from fasting.

From a legal islamic point of view a cricket match is not a valid reason to skip a fast unless ofcourse your health gets affected.
Click to expand...

MenInG said:
They are professionals and travelling away from home, not playing game for recreation
Click to expand...

SM1989 said:
Yes they are travelling and can use that as a concession.
Click to expand...

NeVerMind said:
I thought it was common knowledge that Moin Ali always fasts during Ramadan as he is doing right now:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-...-moeen-ali-ramadan-fast-makes-me-feel-sharper

He actually had 2 really good games so out goes the theory that fasting somehow worsens your performance. But agree it is up to the individual if they want to fast or not. Also as in the the case of Amla and the Pakistan/Bangladesh team for example, they are can be classified as travelers so can make up later...
Click to expand...

moghul said:
According to islamic teaching, If you're traveling , you don;t have to fast and should not fast and you can compensate it by fasting at a later day. These players don;t have to fast and should not fast during CT.
Click to expand...

NeVerMind said:
correction...Moin only played one match while fasting but scored a not bad 33 off 19 balls and got a wicket too...
Click to expand...

moghul said:
This would be ridiculous and against the teaching of Islam too. If you are traveling and particularly for work, you can skip fasting and observe fasting on your returning home. Players are at work, they are traveling and millions of Pakistani looking for their performance and they cannot be spoil it by fasting which they don't have to during CT.

Pakistanis are strange people, they would not mind people cheating, lying, committing big corruptions but when it comes to fasting, rather than minding their own business they will start commenting on people's and players religious obligations. God will not ask you about Pakistani players conduct, you will be answering your own acts on the day of justice.
Click to expand...

blue_champion said:
Glad there is a religious exemption to fasting while traveling otherwise can't even imagine actions being controlled by simple common sense that you need to be in prime shape while performing in your chosen profession which pays you a lot of money.
Click to expand...

razazaidi said:
Agreed. I remember Algeria soccer team was fasting in a worldcup game, and their fans did not like it. I am surprised some posters will put these players in "high regards". I am no scholar, but I know I am not supposed to fast when I am travelling and/or if it will impact my health.

Also, I am surprised to see so many religious sentiments in a sports forum.
Click to expand...

all of you guys mentioned travelling exemption; I am not sure the travelling exemption is valid in this case; I thought the travelling exemption is used only while you are travelling and once your travel is finished and you have reached destination and you are staying there for quite some time then the travelling exemption cannot be used.

For example I live in Canada; say I am going to Pakistan in Ramadan to stay there for 2 weeks. During my travel from Canada to Pakistan (15+ hours) I can use the travelling exemption. But once I reached Pakistan where I am going to stay for number of days, should I not fast and still use travelling exemption? It does not feel right.
 
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srh said:
all of you guys mentioned travelling exemption; I am not sure the travelling exemption is valid in this case; I thought the travelling exemption is used only while you are travelling and once your travel is finished and you have reached destination and you are staying there for quite some time then the travelling exemption cannot be used.

For example I live in Canada; say I am going to Pakistan in Ramadan to stay there for 2 weeks. During my travel from Canada to Pakistan (15+ hours) I can use the travelling exemption. But once I reached Pakistan where I am going to stay for number of days, should I not fast and still use travelling exemption? It does not feel right.
Click to expand...

Please talk to someone who knows about Islamic teaching. Travel means when you're away from home and staying at a place temporarily . Also , there is no human being keep his physical and mental energy and sharpness even close to 50% after a long fast. Player can get injured, cramps, dehydration, rhabdomyolysis ( muscle break down and kidney failure ) or minor muscle injury , all can happen. So, if someone wants to fast, don;t play and don;t get paid.
 
srh said:
all of you guys mentioned travelling exemption; I am not sure the travelling exemption is valid in this case; I thought the travelling exemption is used only while you are travelling and once your travel is finished and you have reached destination and you are staying there for quite some time then the travelling exemption cannot be used.

For example I live in Canada; say I am going to Pakistan in Ramadan to stay there for 2 weeks. During my travel from Canada to Pakistan (15+ hours) I can use the travelling exemption. But once I reached Pakistan where I am going to stay for number of days, should I not fast and still use travelling exemption? It does not feel right.
Click to expand...

If u r not staying in one place for 2 weeks u r counted as a traveller.
If they were planning to stay in Birmingham for 2 weeks then they wouldn't be classed as travellers
But if they leave the next day after SA game they won't have been there 2 weeks.
 
They don't have to and in the case of non-English players, it is recommended that they not fast because of all the traveling.

They can skip the fasts on match-days and make those up later. Islam is a very practical way of life. There is no clash between the job of Muslim cricket players and their religion.

Perhaps in the future the different cricket boards can refrain from arranging series and competitions during Ramadan. There is at least one prominent Muslim player in every single top-ten cricket team, except New Zealand and teams like Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa and England have several Muslims featuring in their lineups. Not necessary though.
 
MMHS said:
It should be left with players & Coaching staff - if the player is willing & Coaching staff is comfortable (that it won't affect performance - or other way, that fasting player is still better than available others), it shouldn't be any problem.

It's not only a sub-continent staff - entire Algerian team was fasting in WC 2014, and they are the team probably stressed Germany most, that too over 120 minutes. The 2 seasons Hakeem (Olajuwon) won NBA Ring with Rockets (& MVP for regular season & Final), Ramadan was observed between January-February & he fasted for entire month, plying every game, even the All-Star game.

Sometimes, it gives players spiritual strength.
Click to expand...

Basketball season doesn't end until June. Play offsdon't start till April. Can't say he performed well during those times especially.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/3yvhf2/hakeem_olajuwon_during_ramadan_an_analysis/
 
moghul said:
Please talk to someone who knows about Islamic teaching. Travel means when you're away from home and staying at a place temporarily . Also , there is no human being keep his physical and mental energy and sharpness even close to 50% after a long fast. Player can get injured, cramps, dehydration, rhabdomyolysis ( muscle break down and kidney failure ) or minor muscle injury , all can happen. So, if someone wants to fast, don;t play and don;t get paid.
Click to expand...

Abdullah said:
If u r not staying in one place for 2 weeks u r counted as a traveller.
If they were planning to stay in Birmingham for 2 weeks then they wouldn't be classed as travellers
But if they leave the next day after SA game they won't have been there 2 weeks.
Click to expand...

This is stupid. Travel was an excuse because people had to often walk long distance in excruciating heat with no sufficient transportation system. How does that apply to modern day where everyone sits in a metal tube for few hours with controlled temperature? Why would it be okay for some one to avoid fasting just because they are travelling ? Where is the intention ?
 
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