No more biryani for Pakistan players; Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq changes nutrition and diet plans

No matter how skilful Pakistan players are with the bat and the ball, one has not really seen them prioritising their fitness. Over the years, the cricket giants have never really given priority to fitness. Their poor diet habits are well known in the cricketing circles. Recently, the Pakistani players were slammed for their poor diet and living style during the World Cup.

A number of photos had gone viral, showing the Pakistani players munching on junk food late in the night. Pakistan’s fielding was nothing less than dismal in the tournament and they faced the flak from all around. Well, newly-appointed Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq seems to have taken note of the same and has started working on it.

The former Pakistan skipper has changed the diet and nutrition plans for the players in the national camp and the domestic tournament. Misbah has made it clear that players need to prioritise fitness for selection in the national team. He has also changed the menu of the players. Misbah has ordered oily items and red meat items including biryani to be taken down from the menu has also banned the sweet items.

“No more Biryani or oil-rich red meat meals or sweet dishes for the players now,” a member of a catering company that manages the players’ menu in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy was quoted as saying by Times Now.

New menu

In the revised menu, Misbah-ul-Haq has included barbecue items, pasta and fruits for the players. Another source said that Misbah has already issued warning to the players regarding the fitness.

“Pakistani players are known to have a fondness for junk food and rich oily dishes when they are not playing for the national team but Misbah has told every player that a logbook will be maintained on their fitness and diet plans and anyone found lacking would be shown the door,” the source said.

Meanwhile, Misbah’s journey as the coach will start with the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will play three T20Is and as many ODIs.

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