Hayden attributes Pakistan team's discipline to Islam

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden expressed his belief that Islam has played a significant role in instilling discipline within the current Pakistan cricket team, both on and off the field. 

Hayden, who previously served as a mentor for the Pakistan team, shared this perspective during the commentary of the Pakistan-Australia ICC World Cup 2023 warm-up match in Hyderabad.

"Well it is very focused around Islam, which is a central and core thing to this playing unit. The way of life in the Pakistan team leads to greater discipline, which I greatly admire, after all cricket is a discipline as well. You have to be committed, invested and consistent - these are all those things that Islam represents to the culture,” Hayden said.

It's worth noting that Australia came out victorious against Pakistan, winning by 14 runs in warm-up match. Despite impressive performances by captain Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed, Pakistan fell short in their chase of 352, marking their second consecutive loss in the warm-up matches.

Pakistan is scheduled to face the Netherlands at the same venue on October 6 in their first World Cup game.