Religion is a personal matter for everyone, and cricketers are no exception. Some cricketers have changed their religion for various reasons, such as love, faith, or personal choice. Here are some examples of cricketers who changed their religion, and how it affected their lives and careers.
Mohammad Yousuf
Mohammad Yousuf is one of the most prolific batsmen in Pakistan’s cricket history. He was born into a Christian family and was named Yousuf Youhana. He converted to Islam in 2005, after attending the Tablighi Jamaat sessions. He changed his name to Mohammad Yousuf and started sporting a beard. He said that his conversion was his own decision and that he felt peace and happiness in Islam. He also faced some opposition from his family and some fans, who accused him of changing his religion for fame or money. However, he remained firm in his faith and continued to play for Pakistan until 2010. He played 90 Tests, 288 ODIs, and 3 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring over 17,000 runs in total.
Suraj Randiv
Suraj Randiv is a Sri Lankan spinner who played for his country from 2009 to 2016. He was born into a Muslim family and was named Mohammad Masruk Suraj. He converted to Buddhism in 2010, and changed his name to Suraj Randiv. He said that he was influenced by his mother, who was a Buddhist, and that he felt more comfortable in Buddhism. He also said that he respected all religions and that his conversion did not affect his
relationship with his teammates or fans. He played 12 Tests, 31 ODIs, and 7 T20Is for Sri Lanka, taking 68 wickets in total.
Tillakaratne Dilshan
Tillakaratne Dilshan is one of the most explosive batsmen and versatile cricketers in Sri Lanka’s cricket history. He was born into a Muslim family and was named Tuwan Mohammad Dilshan. He converted to Buddhism at the age of 16, after his parents separated. He changed his name to Tillakaratne Mudiyanselage Dilshan and adopted Buddhism as his religion. He said that he was inspired by his mother, who was a Buddhist, and that he felt more connected to Buddhism. He also said that he did not face any discrimination or backlash from his family or fans, and that he respected all religions. He played 87 Tests, 330 ODIs, and 80 T20Is for Sri Lanka, scoring over 17,000 runs and taking over 150 wickets in total.
Wayne Parnell
Wayne Parnell is a South African fast bowler who played for his country from 2009 to 2017. He was born into a Christian family and was named Wayne Dillon Parnell. He converted to Islam in 2011, and changed his name to Waleed Parnell. He said that he was attracted to Islam by his friends and teammates, such as Hashim Amla and Imran Tahir, and that he felt peace and tranquility in Islam. He also said that his conversion was his personal choice and that he did not face any pressure or influence from anyone. He faced some criticism from some fans and media, who questioned his motives and loyalty. However, he remained steadfast in his faith and continued to play for South Africa until 2017. He played 4 Tests, 65 ODIs, and 40 T20Is for South Africa, taking 127 wickets in total .
A.G. Kripal Singh
A.G. Kripal Singh was an Indian batsman who played for his country from 1955 to 1964. He was born into a Sikh family and was named Amarjit Singh Kripal. He converted to Christianity in 1960, and changed his name to Anthony George Kripal Singh. He said that he was influenced by his wife, who was a Christian, and that he felt more comfortable in Christianity. He also said that he did not face any opposition or hostility from his family or fans, and that he respected all religions. He played 14 Tests for India, scoring 422 runs and taking 6 wickets in total.
Vinod Kambli
A former Indian cricketer who was born in a Hindu family in Pune, Maharashtra, and was a brilliant batsman. He married a Christian girl in 1998, but they divorced. He again married a Christian girl and converted to Christianity himself in 2010. He was baptized at the St Peter’s Church, Bandra, Mumbai. He said this was his personal decision and he still respects every religion. He was a childhood friend of Sachin Tendulkar.
