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."
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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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