If an improvement in sporting performance follows an improvement or increase in a player’s religiousness, it is not necessarily caused by the fear of the hellfire or even the particular religion. It seems to me more likely that religion has simply allowed them to achieve a peace of mind that was otherwise lacking. Ergo, the improvement has been, at least in part, caused by this change rather than by the particularly ideological shift or whatever behind that peace of mind.

Becoming religious is not the only reason that the team is doing better. This is a faithful catalogue of events that happened which hold some insights for Muslims and interested non-Muslim, but apparently not for you.

Frankly I am disturbed by people who see sport as “life affirming” and embarrass themselves by disclosing to the wider world, their fortune cookie philosophy.

My comment was prompted by the concern that the superstructure of (a) religion was being inappropriately bolted onto sport – which has its own life-affirming ethical system.

Taking ones life more seriously is a good thing, I agree. The means by which one does this, though, is merely a means. When we say ’sport is a religion in Australia’ we mean exactly that – it’s a means towards taking ones life more seriously. The attitude deserves the same respect as that of any other any other religious attitde.

I love it when people moan about having their attitudes treated with respect when their own thoughts on others’ are dripping with disdain. You seem disgusted that one would dare to associate spiritual religion with sport.

When people say “sport is a religion” is Australia, does that imply that it is in place of Christianity or Judaism or Islam?

Taking ones life more seriously is a good thing, I agree. The means by which one does this, though, is merely a means. When we say ’sport is a religion in Australia’ we mean exactly that – it’s a means towards taking ones life more seriously. The attitude deserves the same respect as that of any other any other religious attitde.

I suppose my words could have a hidden or esoteric meaning or implication if they are read backward with a mirror, upside down or underwater, but lets assume that the words. as they are currently assembled mean what they say.

So for your final point,am I implying (not through words, but perhaps via the spaces between them) that Islam alone linked to sporting success, do you really think that deserves a response?

Your first point is that coercion or pressure has been used against him. Mohammad Yusuf has been playing for Pakistan since 1998 , and has been captain of Pakistan whilst still a Christian (notably in 2005 in Australia). There is also a Hindu in the team Danish Kaneria, who is very well regarded, and seems under no pressure to convert to hold his place or to advance his career.

If Indian Hindus wished to persuade their Muslim players to covert, they are most welcome to try. As Muslims, they should welcome a serious religious discussion.

In my experience it is impossible to force people to convert, nor is it possible to do so with discussion or with debate.

The other point that I wish to make is that Muslims in the west often wish converts to renounce their former lives, this is wrong and unnecessary, as this particular article demonstrates. Converts do go through immense discomfort with regards to their family and must be supported sympathetically and not be isolated from the family in a cult fashion.

Islam is not related to sporting success, but being English is defiantly linked to sporting failure.

Yes, it’s probably a good thing that Pakistani cricketers take the game more seriously; no it isn’t a good thing if you’re implying that religion (or, worse, a particular religion) is the answer to sporting sccess.

What an absolutely ridiculous thing to say. First, why is it not a “good thing” to imply an increase in religious observance and spirituality has contributed to their success? Is it that abhorrent for people to improve in their lives as a result of being more religious? The fact is, these men are clearly taking their lives more seriously and the consequent discipline has enabled them to strive for and achieve greater professional success.

Yes, it’s probably a good thing that Pakistani cricketers take the game more seriously; no it isn’t a good thing if you’re implying that religion (or, worse, a particular religion) is the answer to sporting sccess.