PCA PRESS RELEASE
Tazeem Ali and Zen Malik take us on a month-long journey through their Ramadan celebrations.
To see more articles, click here
Warwickshire duo Tazeem Ali and Zen Malik document them observing Ramadan 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 holy period, devotees fast during the daylight. Their first meal of the day takes place after 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 2025.
This period can be challenging for Muslim cricketers, particularly those playing in England and Wales as they are in the midst of preparing for the upcoming domestic season.
View this post on Instagram
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 United Arab Emirates (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 looking forward to spending 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.
Over the course of the month, both Malik and Ali will share their Ramadan journey with the PCA which will be shared across our social media platforms.
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.”
