Friday, July 29, 2011

Parnell announces conversion to Islam

Wayne Parnell, the South Africa left-arm seamer, has announced that he has converted to Islam. Parnell has not decided on a Muslim name yet and will still be known as Wayne Dillon.
"I converted to Islam in January 2011, after a period of personal study and reflection and it is a faith that I have always been interested in," Parnell said in a statement on Thursday. He also asked that the issue be treated with respect as he approaches his first period of fasting. "My faith choice is a matter which I would like to keep private."

Wayne Parnell bowls in training on the eve of the first ODI against India, Durban, January 11, 2011
Parnell confirmed that he will "continue to respect the team's endorsement of alcoholic beverages." South Africa's Test team is sponsored by Castle Lager, a local beer. Hashim Amla, also of Muslim faith, does not wear the beer logo on his playing kit after making a special arrangement with CSA because of his religious beliefs.
Parnell is currently playing cricket for English county Sussex.

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