Matthew Hayden, the batting coach of the Pakistan cricket team for the 2021 T20 World Cup, has revealed that he was gifted a copy of the Holy Quran by Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan.
Matthew Hayden, a former Australian batsman who is now a batting instructor, has been blown away by the aura of serenity and spirituality in Pakistan’s dressing room. Hayden stated that this was one of the most memorable experiences of his life, and that sharing the locker room with young Pakistani players was a great eye-opener.
Hayden is particularly struck by the team’s sense of unity and spirituality. He disclosed that he had met with Mohammad Rizwan to discuss Islam and the Holy Book, the Quran.
Read more: Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen lead Pakistan to historic World Cup victory against India
The open-mindedness of the athletes and their eagerness to learn also attracted the 50-year-old. All of the players, he continued, have talent and potential and are searching for opportunities to master new skills and improve as individuals. He admired Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, for his willingness to be tutored despite being one of the best batters in the world.
Hayden now reads Quran everyday
“I am curious about Islam even though I am a Christian. One follows Christ and the other Mohammad (PBUH), and in a sense never shall meet, but he [Rizwan] presented me with an English version of the Quran. We sat on the floor for half an hour and talked through it. I am reading a bit of it each day. Rizzy [Rizwan] is one of my favorite individuals, a champion human being,” Hayden said while speaking to News Corp Australia.
Hayden went on to say that the entire team is modest and hasn’t overly indulged in their stunning victories at the 2021 T20 World Cup. He stated that the entire team’s goal is to win the T20 World Cup, and that each and every member of the squad is giving it their all to achieve that goal.
Hayden remarked that he had thoroughly enjoyed his tenure as the Pakistan cricket team’s batting consultant.
