ISLAMABAD, 21 September 2005 — Pakistani batsman Yousuf Youhana, now known as Muhammad Yousuf, has said he feels “revolutionary changes” in himself after embracing Islam.
“I have kept it secret for two years due to pressure from my relatives. I now feel the revolutionary changes in myself. Islam has turned my life completely,” Online news agency Tuesday quoted Yousuf as saying after his conversion from Christianity.
Muhammad Yousuf said he had been traveling to Tableeghi Markaz in Raiwind for the last three years and got guidance due to enlightenment of Islam.
He said at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium that he felt calm and inner satisfaction by offering prayers. “I can’t explain my feelings. By embracing Islam our lives have changed.”
The cricketer said he was under tremendous pressure from his family members and had decided to keep his conversion under wraps for a while.
He was the only Christian member in the present Pakistani squad and was often seen making the sign of the cross after a good innings.
Speaking about England’s upcoming tour of Pakistan, Yousuf said: “Players are practicing very hard to defeat the English team. However, the series would be a very tough one because the England team had shown a magnificent performance against Australia.”
He said English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff had put up a very good performance and broken the backbone of the Aussies.
Speaking about the Pakistan team, Yousuf said: “Our side is in tremendous shape, and has both youth and experience in its ranks.
“We have a very good batting line-up, but bowling will play a very important role in this series. The team that will show 100 percent in bowling, batting and fielding will be the winner.”
