This Thursday in Rawalpindi, England’s squad will see Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed join forces for the third and final Test against Pakistan. Both cricketers, though born in the UK, have deep roots in Pakistan and maintain strong ties with their families living there.
In a unique interview with Test Match Special commentator Aatif Nawaz, himself a British-Pakistani, the two spinners shared their experiences of speaking Urdu during matches, attending Friday prayers with the Pakistan team, and how they’ve found a sense of belonging within the England dressing room.
‘Rizwan Switched to Pashto’
Both Bashir and Ahmed are fluent in Pothwari, a dialect from Mirpur, the city where their families originated. However, their understanding of Urdu has played a crucial role in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan.
Ahmed explained: “My Urdu isn’t too bad. I can hold a conversation, though it’s a bit mixed. But I understand everything.”
Bashir added, “I’m the same. I can understand everything and reply, but it’s not perfect. Sometimes we use that to our advantage when the Pakistan team is talking in their own language. I’ll tell Ben Stokes, ‘He’s going to slog it over mid-wicket.’”
He recalled an amusing encounter while batting:
“Muhammad Rizwan was behind the stumps, chatting away. When I got to the crease, he said, ‘This guy understands Urdu, let’s switch to Pashto,’ and I was completely lost after that!”
‘My Dad Couldn’t Watch Us Make 800’
Bashir’s father was born in Pakistan, while his mother was born in the UK. Ahmed, on the other hand, has both parents hailing from Pakistan. Rehan’s older brother Raheem has played for Leicestershire, while his younger brother, Farhan, recently made a stunning first-class debut by taking 10 wickets for Nottinghamshire at just 16 years old.
Ahmed’s father, Naeem, attended the first Test in Pakistan, where England amassed a massive total of 823-7 declared. However, Naeem found it difficult to watch his son’s team dominate Pakistan.
“In that first Test, when we hit 800, my dad left the stadium and drove four hours back home because he couldn’t watch Pakistan struggle,” Ahmed shared. “He tries to pretend it doesn’t bother him, but I know he doesn’t want his team to lose.”
Bashir also reflected on the dual loyalty: “I was born in England, so I’ve always supported England. But whenever Pakistan played India, I cheered for Pakistan too. England is my first team, but Pakistan is my second home.”
‘We Had Friday Prayers with the Pakistan Team’
Both Ahmed and Bashir are practicing Muslims, and their rise in international cricket has coincided with challenging times for the sport in England, following several high-profile racism controversies. Yet they credit the England team for fostering an inclusive environment.
Ahmed said, “As young guys coming into the dressing room, we’ve never had any issues. The support from the England team has been incredible. Baz, Stokesy, and the management make sure our prayers and religious practices come first, then cricket. We’re very grateful for that.”
He continued, “We joined the Pakistan team for Friday prayers. Rizwan led the prayers, and England even rescheduled a team meeting so we could attend the mosque. It’s a gesture that means a lot to us.”
Bashir added, “The fact that we’re allowed to be ourselves is what gives us confidence. The way things are changing is a positive step for the future, and I hope it continues.”
‘Whatever is Written Will Happen’
Ahmed made history when he debuted for England in 2022, becoming the youngest player to represent the country in Test cricket at just 18 years and 126 days old. Bashir, who turned 21 last week, has already claimed 38 wickets in 11 Tests and is on track to break the record as the youngest Englishman to take 50 Test wickets, surpassing Steven Finn’s milestone at age 22.
Reflecting on their careers, Bashir said,
“I want to play for England for as long as I can. There will be ups and downs, but our faith teaches us that fate is already written.”
Ahmed echoed similar sentiments:
“It’s important not to look too far ahead. Be a good person, give back to your community, and give back to the team. All we can do is try our best. Whatever is written will happen, and we’ll be content either way.”
