Pakistani beards

Here are two interesting comments on Pakistan cricket team's outward religiousity:

M J Akbar in The Asian Age -

"Their captain, Inzamamul Haq, could triple his personal endorsement revenues

if someone eased that look of permanent pain on his visage. He also has the

slightly irritating habit of confusing the Almighty with a cricket coach

(irritating, I am sure, to the Almighty as well, which might explain the

results). Apparently, he thought that massive quantities of ghee-strewn parathas

and meat followed by a long sermon on religion from a cleric were adequate

preparation for a World Cup match. It was entirely appropriate that a 'joke'

team, Ireland, ended the fun".

Irfan Husain in Daily Times, Pakistan -

"With their thick beards and constant prayers, Inzi & Co give every indication of being guided by a Higher Power. Alas, the said Power is as indifferent to Pakistan's cricketing progress as He is to General Musharraf's wellbeing currently"

"Frankly, judging by our cricket teams' recent performances, there seems to be no improvement caused by their piety. When the amateur Irish team ? a collection of some of the biggest boozers in the cricketing world ? can thrash us so easily, can we really believe that our outward religiosity makes us better players, or, indeed, better human beings?"