PCA PRESS RELEASE
Tazeem Ali and Zen Malik take us on a month-long journey through their Ramadan celebrations.
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Over the course of Ramadan, Warwickshire duo Tazeem Ali and Zen Malik are set to document their journey through the holy month whilst simultaneously preparing for the start of the 2025 domestic season.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is determined by the cycles of the moon. Over the duration of this period, devotees fast during daylight, only eating and drinking ahead of sunrise and following sunset each day.
At the end of the Ramadan, Muslims around the world celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. This year, Ramadan commences from 28 February and ends on 30 March.
Although a rewarding period for practicing Muslims, it can be challenging, particularly for cricketers in England and Wales as they are in the midst of preparing for the upcoming domestic season.
Both Malik and Ali will share their Ramadan stories with the PCA and this will be published on social media platforms and below.
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End of Ramadan
Malik and Ali are joined by teammate Hamza Shaikh as they take us through their training routines whilst fasting during the Ramadan period in the UAE.
The Warwickshire trio wake up early in the morning to have their first meal, knowing that they will be going without any food or water for the rest of day whilst training in the Abu Dhabi heat.
Malik pointed out the importance of trying to find the right balance of intensity to put into training and making sure that they don’t push themselves over the limit. The right-hander found the mornings relatively easier as the temperatures in the Middle East are a lot kinder.
Ali, meanwhile, explained how following the fast during Ramadan helps make him a better person in the future as it brings a level of discipline to his life.
Malik, Ali and Shaikh have completed their Ramadan fast and are now fully prepared for the start of the domestic season. We wish them and the rest of the PCA members Eid Mubarak.
Warwickshire batter, Zen Malik, said: “You have to be conscious with overexerting at times. However, it does not mean you go less intense in training.
“In between that, we need to take time to reset and relax and catch our breathe.”
Warwickshire spinner, Tazeem Ali, said: “When I am at home, it is much easier just because I am with my parents and siblings. We are all waking up early in the morning at four or five o’clock together, meeting and following the same fast.
“It is a month for us where we have to look at how our discipline is and try and not commit any sin since you restrict yourself from not having food and water. Even after Ramadan, having fasted for a month, I feel like you can stop yourself committing sins and be a good person and a good Muslim.”
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Middle of Ramadan
Warwickshire’s squad spent 11 days in the UAE to prepare for the upcoming season.
Ali enjoyed his time out in Abu Dhabi along with fellow Bears teammates Malik and Hamza Shaikh. He appreciated the support they received from Warwickshire’s staff and coaches for taking out extra time for players fasting during the Ramadan period and allowing them extra periods of rest whilst maintaining the same level of intensity during their training programme.
Meanwhile, it was Malik’s first time in the UAE and he enjoyed the experience of playing cricket whilst following his faith and praying amongst the Muslim community present in the country.
Warwickshire batter, Zen Malik, said: “It is first time here and I have really enjoyed it making sure we are praying and reminding of our faith alongside playing cricket.
“It is also great to have a community over here in Abu Dhabi which has been very good.”
Warwickshire spinner, Tazeem Ali, said: “On the training days, all the staff members and coaches have really helped and taken time out of us.
“They have let us rest a bit more than the other players. But they have kept us at the same level of intensity like they should. Along with Zen and Hamza, it has been a very good experience.”
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Start of Ramadan
Warwickshire pair of Malik and Ali are two such examples of players who will balance cricket along with the Ramadan fast. They also form part of the Bears’ squad which will travel to the UAE for a pre-season tour before they start their season on April 4 against Sussex in the Rothesay County Championship at Edgbaston.
Ali is keen to spend the Ramadan period in the UAE and following his faith in a predominantly Muslim country.
Malik is looking forward to spending the Ramadan period in a foreign land with his fellow Bears teammates Ali and Hamza Shaikh. The right-hand batter, however, does understand the challenge they would face of waking up early and training in the heat whilst also maintaining their fast into the evening.
Both Ali and Malik were attendees at a record-breaking 2025 Rookie Camp which saw 69 players attend.
Malik, 26, signed a contract with the Midlands county in 2024 after coming through the South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA). He made his Warwickshire debut in the Metro Bank One Day Cup last season.
Ali, meanwhile, made is professional debut in 2023 and has played eight times for his county. The 18-year-old spin bowler most recently formed part of the England U19 squad which went on a tour to South Africa to play three Youth ODIs and two Youth Test matches.
Warwickshire batter, Zen Malik, said: “This year the challenges will undoubtedly be waking up early in the morning and playing in the heat whilst we’re on our 10-day tour to Abu Dhabi.
“However, I’m also looking forward to spending time and experiencing Ramadan there with Ali and Hamza (Shaikh).”
Warwickshire spinner, Tazeem Ali, said: “The thing I am looking forward to the most is playing out in Abu Dhabi. It’s also a Muslim country where we can practice our faith and strengthen our connections and relationships.”
PCA Director of People, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Donna Fraser OBE, said: “On this occasion of Ramadan, I wish a month full of health, joy and peace to everyone celebrating this blessed festival.
“The PCA wants to celebrate each of its members’ cultural occasions and we take pride in seeing our young members celebrating their faith whilst also representing their counties abroad.”
