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Cricket fans often know their favorite players for their on-field performances. Still, there are many interesting facts about cricketers who have undergone significant personal changes, including converting to a new religion. In this article, we uncover 10 fascinating Facts About Cricketers Who Converted to a New Religion and explore how these changes impacted both their personal lives and cricketing careers.1
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Mohammad Yousuf, born into a Christian family in Pakistan, converted to Islam in 2005. His teammates and spiritual quest heavily influenced his decision to embrace Islam. 1
South African cricketer Wayne Parnell converted to Islam in 2011. His conversion was a personal choice after years of spiritual searching. The values and teachings of Islam inspired Parnell, and he officially changed his name to Waleed.
Dilshan, a former Sri Lankan captain, was born to a Muslim father and a Buddhist mother. Although raised as a Muslim under the name Tuwan Mohammad Dilshan, he converted to Buddhism as a young adult. 2
Indian cricketer AG Kripal Singh, who played 14 Tests, was born into a Sikh family but later converted to Christianity to marry. After his conversion, he changed his name to Arnold George.
Mahmudul Hasan, who represented Bangladesh at the U-19 level, was born into a Muslim family but later converted to Hinduism. After his conversion, he adopted the name Vikash Ranjan Das. 3
Suraj Randiv, a Sri Lankan cricketer, was born as Mohamed Marshuk Mohamed Suraj and raised in a Muslim family. Later in life, he converted to Buddhism, adopting the name Suraj Randiv.
Vinod Kambli, the former Indian cricketer, was born into a Hindu family but later converted to Christianity. After his conversion, he adopted the name Vincent Paul Kambli. 4
On April 24, 2021, Bjorn Fortuin converted to Islam and adopted the Muslim name Imaad. He became the second South African international cricketer to convert to Islam, following Wayne Parnell.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the legendary West Indies batter, is of Guyanese origin. Throughout his life, he embraced Hindu culture and practices. Chanderpaul's connection to Hinduism has influenced his identity. 5
Bikash Ranjan Das converted to Islam in the mid-2000s and changed his name to Mahmudur Rahman Rana. Following his conversion, he transitioned to a career outside of cricket. He is currently employed at a bank based in Dhaka.
