In a heartening display of inclusivity and support within the England men’s cricket team, young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has expressed profound gratitude towards skipper Ben Stokes for his unwavering understanding and backing towards him and fellow practicing Muslims.
Ahmed recounted a recent conversation where he and his teammates requested a day off for Friday prayers during a team outing in Abu Dhabi. Stokes, displaying immediate empathy and respect, wholeheartedly supported their request, showcasing a deep understanding of their religious obligations.
Ahmed lauded Stokes for consistently demonstrating respect and understanding every time they engage in prayers, affirming Stokes’ commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all players on the tour.
“I remember a time in Abu Dhabi where there was a team day out on a Friday. We had Friday prayers. Obviously, me and Bash [Bashir] were there. I messaged Wayno [Wayne Bentley], the team manager, asking if we could miss this day because we needed to pray.
“Stokes messaged me straight away and said ‘come to me whenever you want about this kind of stuff, I understand it fully’. And yes he’s stuck by his word,” Rehan told BBC Sport.
“Every time I pray he is so respectful, very understanding. Everyone is on this tour.”
Furthermore, Ahmed extended his appreciation towards head coach Brendon McCullum for cultivating a fearless environment within the team. McCullum’s emphasis on attacking lengths over concerns about run flow has empowered players like Ahmed to perform without succumbing to nerves.
The team’s ethos, championed by Stokes and McCullum, revolves around accentuating the positives even in the face of adversity. Stokes encourages players to embrace their strengths rather than fear failure, while McCullum’s coaching philosophy centers on the potential for positive outcomes. This approach prioritizes growth and improvement, fostering a culture where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for learning and development.
“That just shows how great the team environment is. Tommy and Bash, you’ve seen them come in and not be nervous and that’s credit to the team.
“They [Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum] just don’t care about how bad things can go. It’s always about what good you can get out of it.
“So if I bowl four bad balls and get a wicket, that’s better than bowling 16 good balls in a row,” Rehan added.
Ahmed underscored the significance of support and understanding from leaders like Stokes, whose immediate response to their request underscores his dedication to inclusivity. Beyond mere words, Stokes consistently demonstrates respect during prayer times, exemplifying the team’s commitment to creating an open and supportive atmosphere for all players. In this environment, players are encouraged to thrive, regardless of their background, echoing the team’s overarching culture of inclusivity and support.
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