Shoaib Bashir on Eid al-Adha

To mark Eid al-Adha, England spinner Shoaib Bashir sat down with new teammate and Derbyshire captain Wayne Madsen at Lord’s to discuss faith, cricket and how they remain grounded as professional cricketers.

Still only 22-years-old, Bashir has already experienced more than most young cricketers.

Starting his professional career at Somerset, Bashir has risen quickly to the international stage. After a good start to the season with Derbyshire, the spinner was named in England’s Test squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

But amidst the pressure and demands of professional sport, faith remains his foundation.

Having joined Derbyshire from Somerset earlier this year, Bashir praised the opportunities and the welcoming team environment of his new club.

“What stood out to me at Derbyshire is that the environment is just so relaxed and I can just be myself,” he explained.

“It’s been really good,” he said. “I’ve got a jolly character myself and it’s nice just to be playing a lot more cricket at Derby. I’ve settled in so well.

“I’ve got different beliefs, a lot of people in the team have different beliefs and I think that’s the most important factor for me, that I can be myself around new people. That ultimately allows me to go out on the cricket field and perform.”

The two teammates discussed Eid al-Adha, one of the two major celebrations in the Islamic calendar. The festival follows the annual pilgrimage of Hajj to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, and is marked by prayer, family gatherings and charity.

“We’ve got Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, two different celebrations,” he said.

“Eid al-Fitr is the celebration after Ramadan and Eid al-Adha comes after the pilgrimage of Hajj. As a Muslim, if you’re financially and physically able to do the pilgrimage, then you should do it in your lifetime.”

When asked whether he hopes to complete the pilgrimage, Bashir said: “Yes, 100 per cent. With the cricket schedule it’s always quite tough to find time, but definitely with the family, I’d love to go with the family and do the Hajj pilgrimage.

“Mecca is a holy city in Islam, and you just connect to your religion out there. It would be very special.”

The spinner also praised the increasing support available to players of different faiths, including multi-faith rooms at grounds and initiatives such as the PCA providing prayer mats for Muslim players.

“Having prayer rooms around different grounds helps me massively because it allows me to take time away from the game and pray in a place where I know I won’t be interrupted,” he said.

“Small initiatives like the PCA delivering prayer mats to Muslim players is massive. It just shows how included we are.

“It’s tough with cricket but I’ll speak to my family on Eid and show my love there,” he said.

Reflecting on Ramadan earlier this year, Bashir explained how the Holy Month keeps him grounded on and off the field.

“It allows me to appreciate the small things so much better,” Bashir said.

“It’s not just about not eating or drinking, but fully immersing yourself in the religion.

“It’s a time where you read the Quran, you pray and connect to God. It helped me massively playing cricket, where there are so many ups and downs in the game, just to reconnect yourself to God during that month.”

Madsen shared experiences of his own Christian faith during the discussion, reflecting on his personal relationship between faith and professional sport.

The Derbyshire captain said: “I know with regards to my own faith how big the sacrifices are that we make, both as cricketers and in terms of religion as well. Being able to balance the two is huge.”

For Bashir, faith provides perspective during the inevitable highs and lows of cricket.

“My faith allows me, when times are tough, to ask God for help. As Muslims we believe everything is written by God.

“There’s no point worrying too much about results because that’s all in God’s hands. All I need to do is work hard, stay disciplined and leave the rest to God.”

Bashir also discussed how touring the world with England has strengthened both his faith and appreciation for other cultures. During England’s tour of Pakistan back in 2024/25, he and fellow England spinner Rehan Ahmed joined members of the Pakistan team for Friday prayers.

“It just shows that no matter where you’re from or who you play for, as a Muslim community you come together for Friday prayer,” Bashir said.

“Everyone’s equal. We’re praying in front of the same God. It’s such a nice feeling.”

Bashir returned to humility, gratitude and connection to his faith throughout the conversation.

Even for a player who has risen to the national side at such a young age, it is clear that these values shape his cricketing career and life away from the game.

The PCA takes pride in the diverse nature of its members. Occasions like Eid al-Adha allow players to share their stories with their fellow cricketing colleagues, allowing others to learn more about the culture and heritage of their peers.