Pakistan players lend support to ICC Diversity Day

Pakistan vice-captain Salman Butt and all-rounder Yasir Arafat lent their support to the ICC Diversity Day when they visited the Orient Islamic Institute in Durban on Thursday.

The duo appeared before the school's pupils as they recalled previous tours to South Africa, spoke about their international experiences, shared their excitement and explained what drives them to excel at the highest level.

The players then signed autographs and mingled with the youngsters before heading off for a team training session ahead of Friday's crunch Group D match in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament against India at Kingsmead.

The idea of the visit was to promote the first ICC Diversity Day, also on Friday (14 September) which is intended to show cricket can captivate and inspire people of every age, gender, background and ability while building bridges between continents, countries and communities.

Speaking to the pupils, Butt said: "It is an emotional visit for me and I am really delighted and honoured to be amongst you. This is my third visit to South Africa and I am hoping that I will carry on my previous good form and performances on this tour as well.

"I have played international cricket almost everywhere in the world and I am amazed how much diversity cricket has to offer. I have met people of different religions, cultures, backgrounds, colours and races and - trust me - it is helping me to understand the real purpose of life.

"I don't think there is any other sport like cricket that is so versatile, competitive, diverse, enjoyable and thrilling.

"In the end, I would like you to pray for our success in the ICC World Twenty20. This event means a lot to us and I am sure if we have your support and good wishes, we will live up to the expectations of you all," Butt added.

The players' visit to the school coincided with the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan, during which all physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from, amongst other things, all food, drink, gum-chewing and any kind of tobacco use between dawn and sunset.

It is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. The act of fasting is intended to redirect the heart away from worldly activities and teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It is also to remind them of the suffering of the poor.

The fact the Holy Month of Ramadan has started emphasises just how diverse the game of cricket is as Islam is just one of a host of religions and value-systems prevalent throughout the cricket-playing world, alongside faiths such Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism.

Players and supporters from all these different backgrounds and more are brought together by a shared passion for the game and it is that common bond that the ICC is seeking to highlight through Friday's Diversity Day.

The background to the Orient Islamic Institute dates back to 1938 according to the school's website, https://www.orientschool.co.za/, although the present establishment only opened on its present site in 1959.

The introduction on the school's website highlights its own commitment to diversity, knowledge and tolerance. It says: "The Orient Islamic School is committed to providing a holistic education compatible with Islamic principles and practices to enable our young learners to live harmoniously in our multicultural society and to contribute to the growth and well-being of the nation as a whole whilst retaining their Islamic identity and commitment to the development of the Ummah."

The Pakistan players' visit to the Orient Islamic Institute is one of a number of activities to highlight the ICC Diversity Day. Five South Africa players - Makhaya Ntini, Justin Kemp, AB De Villiers, Gulam Bodi and Vernon Philander - also played their part with a trip to Jeppe Boys High School in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Friday's ICC Diversity Day coincides with three matches in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament - Sri Lanka v Kenya from 1000 at The Wanderers, Australia v England at Newlands at 1400 and, from 1800, India v Pakistan at Kingsmead - and during these games there will be a series of activities as well as big screen messages and PA announcements at the venues.

The ICC World Twenty20 involves 27 matches at three venues - Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg - over 14 days with the final set to take place in Johannesburg on 24 September.

Pakistan won its first match of the tournament, beating Scotland by 51 runs at Kingsmead on Wednesday, while India's opener against the Scots on Thursday set for the same venue was abandoned without a ball being bowled.