Pakistan batting coach Matthew Hayden was presented with a beautiful gesture as he was gifted a Quran by Mohammad Rizwan. The Peshawar-born wicketkeeper-batter presented the former Australian cricketer with the English version of the holy book of Islam. Hayden who is currently working with Men in Green was surprised by the gesture and expressed that he would never forget the great moment.
Hayden who celebrated his 50th birthday at the back end of last month while working the squad said, ”It was Rizzy (Mohammad Rizwan) and I have to say it was a beautiful moment I will never forget. I am curious about Islam even though I am a Christian. One follows Christ and the other Muhammad and in a sense never shall meet but he 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 is one of my favorite individuals, a champion human being,” Hayden said while speaking to News Corp Australia.
The former World Cup-winner was full of praise for the squad and was stunned by the team spirit showcased during the tournament. The game is just not about playing an opposition and winning the contest, maintaining concentration is a big part of it which could only be achieved through spiritual beliefs.
“I was taken aback by how neutral and humble these guys are. How everything is just meant to be. It has been great fun. They are really coachable athletes as well. It stems from a deep sense of spirituality. As a westerner, you don’t realize the implications of having that commitment and faith," the 50-year-old shared his observation.
Pakistan have had a wonderful tournament so far and is the only unbeaten side left in the tournament. The Babar Azam-led side will take on Hayden’s fellow countrymen Australia led by Aaron Finch in the second semi-final on November 11. Under the guidance of the two-time World Cup-winner Pakistan have already made a statement by beating the likes of India and New Zealand who were two of the tournament favourites.
