Saeed Anwar has dismissed fears that his new commitment to religion will affect his cricket. Anwar is likely to open the batting against New Zealand in the second Test in Karachi on Wednesday after almost six months out of the game, following the death of his three-year-old daughter and a wrist injury.

Anwar became a devout Muslim after his only daughter died following a brief illness in September, and now sports a long beard in the style of the Prophet Mohammad.

"Turning to religion doesn't mean I can't play cricket. I am ready to strike a balance between cricket and religion and want to play at least until next year's World Cup," he told AFP after a training session.

"My whole life has changed after my beloved daughter Bismah died last year and I have turned to religion for solace."

Cricket and Anwar's social life have taken a back seat since his personal tragedy and an injury to his left wrist in November, the last time he represented his country.

"The whole meaning of my life was my daughter and I have still not recovered from her loss," he said.

Reports in the Pakistani media have suggested the Pakistan Cricket Board was reluctant to include Anwar in the team, fearing he might distract other players with his preaching.

"This is all rubbish and not true. I have never been a distraction and I would never be because I know my duties to religion and the team," he said.

"Islam is a flexible religion and doesn't allow extremism. It's a peace-loving religion and I follow these lines."

Asked what he would do if prayer time arrived when he was batting, he said: "I would continue to bat because I can offer prayers after I get out, there is flexibility in the religion.

"Even after I retire I would try to devote some time to cricket besides following the religion."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd