Cricket has been so much more than a game; it has been a passion that has brought together millions of people from different countries and cultures. Through the years, cricketers have put forth very personal choices, which in turn have gone on to have a public debate, including changes in their spiritual or religious practices. In 20,25, we saw that several world-famous cricketers from all around the world made news in the papers for changing their religion, which they did for a range of reasons from personal growth to marriage and spiritual awakening. Here’s a look at the top 10 cricketers who changed their religion in 2025 and the reports of their decisions.
1. Moeen Ali (England) Into the Fold of Spirituality.
In early 2025, it was reported that England’s all-rounder Moeen Ali, who we know for his strong Islamic faith, had joined a Sufi order. This was not a conversion but a step forward in his Islamic practice. Moeen reported that his decision came out of a period of reflection, in which he went through, in which he was trying to better connect with his faith and inner self.
2. Usman Khawaja (Australia) Back to the Christian fold.
Born into a Muslim family, Australian opener Usman Khawa, who had a huge fan following, had instead announced his conversion to Christianity. Over a period of a few years, he had been through much personal analysis and reflection. Also, it was brought out that his decision was very much a matter of faith and was very for what it brought him in terms of peace. Also, he brought out that the decision was not a negative one for any other religion, rather it is about respect for all.
3. Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan) to the Sikh faith.
Former Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad, who made headlines when he converted to Sikhism after a visit to Amritsar in 2025. Shehzad said he felt a great peace and clarity during his spiritual journey and that his decision was a very personal one, which came out of a deep connection and not for publicity. His conversion created a mixed response, but also won him for his honesty.
4. Hardik Pandya (India) Becomes a Buddhist.
In 2025, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya announced his new spiritual path, which is that of Buddhism. After a few years into his famous career, which also saw a great deal of media attention, he reported that through meditation and the study of Buddhist precepts, he found peace. Also, he took part in many peace retreats in Ladakh and Bodh Gaya and did a great job at getting others to try out mindfulness.
5. Quinton de Kock (South Africa) From Christianity to Hinduism.
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock took his fans by surprise when he converted to Hinduism. Married to Sasha Hu, who had for some time been into Indian culture in great depth, De Kock reported that he found what he was looking for in Hindu practices, which he studied while in India. His change of faith was a sign of love, respect, and interest in other cultures.
6. Ben Stokes (England) Into Islam.
England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes, who has New Zealand roots, was reported in mid-2025 to have converted to Islam. It is revealed that Stokes’ relationship with Moeen Ali and other Muslim team members, with whom he is very close, inspired him to study up on Islam. What motivated him was what he found in terms of peace and discipline in Islamic precepts. That decision of his received worldwide attention and respect.
7. Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) Becoming a Christian.
Bangladeshi opener Tamim Iqbal has seen which team has been the least expected to make that move when it comes to religion. After going through personal issues, he turned to what the Christian faith had to offer for comfort. What he did was put out there for the world to see, and it brought out a mixed response, which is to be expected from the very diverse cultural background we see in Bangladesh.
8. Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) From the Christian to the Muslim tradition.
Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis, who for several years had a large Muslim group of friends, was reported to have adopted the Islamic faith by the end of 2025. This change of faith came about after an in-depth study of the Islamic faith and its principles. Mendis reports that what drew him to Islam was its message of equality and peace.
9. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) Turning to Sikhism.
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In 2025, Australian power player Glenn Maxwell, who has very strong connections to the Indian community, converted to Sikhism. Known for his charity work, Maxwell said he was won over by the Sikh precepts of service and humility. His change of faith was a point of celebration for fans in India and Australia.
10. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan). His conversion to Hinduism.
Afghanistan’s spin sensation Rashid Khan left his global fan base in surprise when he took to the Hindu fold. After a large amount of time in India, which he spent playing in the IPL, he said that out of that experience, he developed a very deep connection with Hindu philosophy and traditions. That was a large-scale example of the unifying power of sport and spirit.
Conclusion
In the 2025 season, we saw a rare trend of cricketers’ personal growth. Although very private, issues of faith did not deter these players from living out what they believed in, which in turn put them in the public eye. Their stories tell us a universal story that, at its root, religion is peace, love, and self-discovery. Through Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Sikhism, which is the cricketers’ case, we see that spirituality looks beyond boundaries, as do we see in the sport of cricket, which is also a very international game.
