Amla tours without Castle
2004-10-27 21:41
Johannesburg - Hashim Amla is on his way to India, but without Castle Lager.
The 21-year-old KwaZulu-Natal Dolphin captain has been included in the national squad to tour India, but his kit will differ from those of his team-mates.
His clothes, caps and other kit will not carry the Castle Lager brand.
Amla, a devout Muslim, has asked the United Cricket Board of South Africa permission to play without the well-known brand on his chest because it was against his religion.
"We have sorted out the Castle Lager emblem for the tour to India, but this is not a long-term solution," said Gerald Majola, CEO of the UCBSA.
Amla said he did not know what he would do if the UCBSA should decide in future to deny his "humble request".
"I have not really given this a lot of thought. I am taking one step at a time," Amla said.
"My friends heard about my inclusion in the team over the radio and they have not stopped contacting me," Amla said.
"I am very relieved and very thankful. There are no words to describe how I am feeling," the young cricketer said.
He does not have any personal goals for this tour.
"I am still too excited to worry too much about that. I will think about it a bit later," Amla said.
The convener of the selectors, Omar Henry said Amla was ear-marked for the national team two years ago.
"I could see then that he had special talent," Henry said.
Amla said Islam was a way of life and in this month of Ramadan it was difficult to spend the whole day on the field without eating on drinking till sunset but that his religion was his strength.