No more biryani or oil rich red meat meals or sweet dishes for the players based on Misbah's orders

[BalluBalleBaaz]

Misbah shouldn't have to say it, it's a given. The whole subcontinent needs a fitness culture.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Educate them when they are kids, grown men shouldn't need educating regarding food.

The entire premise and point of the thread summed up in a sentence.

 

[Sir-fraz]

Kazim Hussain, the man who keeps elite cricketers well-nourished

Lahore, 19 September 2019:

It is argued that the most important facet in a sportsperson’s development is the food. It is the fuel, which provides the desired nutrition that keeps the athlete going through thick and thin.

At the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, Kazim Hussain, for the past 13 years, has been ensuring that country’s elite cricketers take in the necessary nourishment to endure the challenges of top-flight cricket.

It was in 2006 when Kazim, now a PCB Executive Chef, took the reins of the NCA’s kitchen. Since, his culinary art and meticulous meal preparation has impressed many Pakistan internationals.

Kazim said: “Such is the love for the food, which is prepared here that our cricketers prefer eating at the NCA despite staying in five-star hotels during international series.”

Inspired by his mother’s detail-oriented cooking, which resulted in scrumptious meals, Kazim took up cooking. Reliving the olden days, Kazim, 58, said he used to help his mother in preparation of lunch upon his return to home from college.

To hone his skills, Kazim, who now leads a team of nine chefs, took cooking courses, before turning it into his profession in 1993.

Over the years, Kazim has served his food to many Pakistan internationals.

He shares that tall left-arm pacer, Mohammad Irfan, had a big appetite. “He loves food and eats whatever is available,” he chuckles.

On veteran all-rounder, Shoaib Malik, he said: “Shoaib Malik loves to eat Pasta made up of green chilies. Every time he is at the NCA, his favourite Pasta is served to him.”

Imam-ul-Haq, according to Kazim, is the most prudent about what he eats.

“Imam-ul-Haq keeps a real good check on his diet,” says Kazim. “He only eats fruit and yogurt during lunch time.”

Though, Kazim has served his food to renowned cricketers, there remains one person for whom he wishes to cook.

“I have cooked for many great players and cricket administrators like Intikhab Alam, Rashid Latif and Waqar Younis.

“But, my wish is to cook and serve food to Imran Khan, the prime minister of Pakistan.”

 

[Abdullah719]

In your post you clearly indicated its a fitness issue with the usual rubbish of bad food etc

Also, certain aspects of fitness can be overrated, having a six pack isnt going to make you a great bastman. Like Arthur himself said, fitness is only part of the puzzle.

the Pakistani players are fit enough and must have the right diet to be so, in fact, they are fitter than most cricketers out there, some Pakistani players are scoring in the range of footballers and American sports stars when it come to yo yo results. I think in the overall team scores, only Eng and NZ are higher. All this data is available for you to see.

So Misbah commenting on fitness is just playing to people who want to criticise such as you and so called fitness is one aspect of that. It is known as "playing to the gallery".

The bigger issue is technical deficiencies with the batsmen, worse than even England or modern SA and WI. We also need discussion on a better wicket keeper, a better captain, a fast bowling attack that can function in all conditions and a spinner to support Shah...not fitness.

Most of the Pakistani players who have been around the national team for a while are quite fit with the exception of a few such as Imad Wasim.

The matter of concern is the players at domestic level. Arthur himself mentioned that often when new players are included in the national team, the coaches and trainers had to work very hard with them to get them up to an acceptable standard.

 

[PakLFC]

One thing to say it another thing to implement it. Misbah will have little control of what players eat at home.

 

[PakLFC]

Misbah shouldn't have to say it, it's a given. The whole subcontinent needs a fitness culture.

Speak for ourselves. Indian lads are very fit now thanks very much. They are way ahead of our fat and obese ones.

 

[BalluBalleBaaz]

Speak for ourselves. Indian lads are very fit now thanks very much. They are way ahead of our fat and obese ones.

Kaptaan Kohli loves anything fitness, rubs on all players.

Except of Imad and Sarfraz all Pakistani players look fit. I guess Mickey can be given credit here.

 

[ILcricket]

Better late than never . I hope the players do not have cheat meals every alternate day .

 

[ameemlutfi]

Heard wasim akram once talk about seeing kohli devouring a corn very greedily . Akram asked him to calm down and kohli replied that this is the first carb he has had on two months .

 

[MenInG]

Kazim Hussain, the man who keeps elite cricketers well-nourished

Lahore, 19 September 2019:

It is argued that the most important facet in a sportsperson’s development is the food. It is the fuel, which provides the desired nutrition that keeps the athlete going through thick and thin.

At the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, Kazim Hussain, for the past 13 years, has been ensuring that country’s elite cricketers take in the necessary nourishment to endure the challenges of top-flight cricket.

It was in 2006 when Kazim, now a PCB Executive Chef, took the reins of the NCA’s kitchen. Since, his culinary art and meticulous meal preparation has impressed many Pakistan internationals.

Kazim said: “Such is the love for the food, which is prepared here that our cricketers prefer eating at the NCA despite staying in five-star hotels during international series.”

Inspired by his mother’s detail-oriented cooking, which resulted in scrumptious meals, Kazim took up cooking. Reliving the olden days, Kazim, 58, said he used to help his mother in preparation of lunch upon his return to home from college.

To hone his skills, Kazim, who now leads a team of nine chefs, took cooking courses, before turning it into his profession in 1993.

Over the years, Kazim has served his food to many Pakistan internationals.

He shares that tall left-arm pacer, Mohammad Irfan, had a big appetite. “He loves food and eats whatever is available,” he chuckles.

On veteran all-rounder, Shoaib Malik, he said: “Shoaib Malik loves to eat Pasta made up of green chilies. Every time he is at the NCA, his favourite Pasta is served to him.”

Imam-ul-Haq, according to Kazim, is the most prudent about what he eats.

“Imam-ul-Haq keeps a real good check on his diet,” says Kazim. “He only eats fruit and yogurt during lunch time.”

Though, Kazim has served his food to renowned cricketers, there remains one person for whom he wishes to cook.

“I have cooked for many great players and cricket administrators like Intikhab Alam, Rashid Latif and Waqar Younis.

“But, my wish is to cook and serve food to Imran Khan, the prime minister of Pakistan.”

This seems to paint a good picture of our players' eating habits!

 

[ILcricket]

Heard wasim akram once talk about seeing kohli devouring a corn very greedily . Akram asked him to calm down and kohli replied that this is the first carb he has had on two months .

Kohli is a superbly disciplined cricketer .

 

[Markhor]

Only in Pakistan we make such a hoo-ha about such a basic thing as fitness.

 

[Amirforpresident]

Heard wasim akram once talk about seeing kohli devouring a corn very greedily . Akram asked him to calm down and kohli replied that this is the first carb he has had on two months .

Not trying to be a smartass, but if its really true that Kohli didnt have any carbs in 2 months time his body would go into ketosis, which means his body will use fat as fuel instead of carbs and that, for a crickete,r is not very optimal. It would be much better for him to consume healthy carbs because thats much better when you play sports.

 

[Savak]

I think Biryani once-max twice a week is reasonable. Just cook it in brown rice

 

[Savak]

Look at Imran Khan. Eats whatever he wants from Karhai's, Daal, Tikka's, Kabab's, Halwa Puri's, Fruits but excercises his back side off. He truly has lived life to the fullest

 

[Rellu_Katta]

Look at Imran Khan. Eats whatever he wants from Karhai's, Daal, Tikka's, Kabab's, Halwa Puri's, Fruits but excercises his back side off. He truly has lived life to the fullest

Not sure if he did that in his days of cricket ... King Khan is extremly fit now but he isnt a sportsman fit as he used to be (probably still fitter than half of our team lol )

 

[in_cutter]

So no more cakes to celebrate 50’s & 100’s

 

[Slog]

Look at Imran Khan. Eats whatever he wants from Karhai's, Daal, Tikka's, Kabab's, Halwa Puri's, Fruits but excercises his back side off. He truly has lived life to the fullest

Pretty sure he doesnt gorge halwa puris even these days but what you said he def wasnt eating those everyday during his playing days.

Also keep in mind expectations of fitness standards in those days was much lower than today. Need to move on with the time

 

[PakLFC]

Kaptaan Kohli loves anything fitness, rubs on all players.

Except of Imad and Sarfraz all Pakistani players look fit. I guess Mickey can be given credit here.

None of our players are on par with players from other top sides. They always seem to be carrying extra weight. They hardly play yet someone is always injured mostly coz of the terrible diet they follow. Most of our boys are borderline fit at best.

 

[PakLFC]

Look at Imran Khan. Eats whatever he wants from Karhai's, Daal, Tikka's, Kabab's, Halwa Puri's, Fruits but excercises his back side off. He truly has lived life to the fullest

He also avoids much sugar and knows when to eat and when not too. Wasim Akram mentioned how the now PM scolded him for feeding on a burger once after or during a match. Fitness demands sacrifice.

 

[CricketDon]

He also avoids much sugar and knows when to eat and when not too. Wasim Akram mentioned how the now PM scolded him for feeding on a burger once after or during a match. Fitness demands sacrifice.

Explain to me what’s unhealthy about a burger? Especially a protein dense chicken burger. All them foods Imran eats are packed with either sugar or salt.

 

[PakLFC]

Explain to me what’s unhealthy about a burger? Especially a protein dense chicken burger. All them foods Imran eats are packed with either sugar or salt.

That IK appears so fit even now tells us he must be doing something right. Wasim being diabetic tells us something as well. We don't know what kinda burger or how many Wasim consumes but seeing his girth now seems it's a free for all! The key is to burn off all we eat by exercising which IK does regularly.

 

[barah_admi]

Most of the Pakistani players who have been around the national team for a while are quite fit with the exception of a few such as Imad Wasim.

The matter of concern is the players at domestic level. Arthur himself mentioned that often when new players are included in the national team, the coaches and trainers had to work very hard with them to get them up to an acceptable standard.

Some of the guys who scored highly have only had a short stay in the international side. Of course, I am sure there is a considerable chunk of poor fitness at the domestic level but which nation doesn't have that? Have you seen what some of the county cricketers looked like for the most of the last 50 years? Things have only just started changing there...look at some of the guys playing in other circuits also.

So let us put this all into context. Plus Misbah's point is not about domestic players as he has no control over that. He is playing to the gallery and you are all lapping it up.

 

[Abdullah719]

Some of the guys who scored highly have only had a short stay in the international side. Of course, I am sure there is a considerable chunk of poor fitness at the domestic level but which nation doesn't have that? Have you seen what some of the county cricketers looked like for the most of the last 50 years? Things have only just started changing there...look at some of the guys playing in other circuits also.

So let us put this all into context. Plus Misbah's point is not about domestic players as he has no control over that. He is playing to the gallery and you are all lapping it up.

The context to this discussion is that Wasim Akram mentioned last year that he spoke to domestic cricketers and they were stating that they were still given Biryani during matches. That is the point here. There is no Biryani served to the international cricketers. Mickey would have thrown a fit if they were being given junk during international matches. In the OP, a catering company member serving cricketers during the QEA Trophy is specifically quoted.

Misbah has spoken about poor diet habits in general with regards to Pakistan cricket and domestic cricketers are included in that. He may not have any direct say in the matter but he holds a lot of influence now within the PCB. Check the press conference with Wasim Khan where he mentioned that Misbah's input will be taken on a number of issues, not Head Coach/Chief Selector specific. Whether he did it or someone else did, it doesn't matter. It's a good thing.

I don't really have enough knowledge about the other circuits to be worried about them though I have seen a few overweight cricketers here and there as well. I'm not sure whether that is due to personal negligence or institutional shortcomings. You can't control players but you can overcome institutional problems and I believe that is what is being done by PCB.

 

[Savak]

Just had the best biryani of my life yesterday. Is there no way they can make it healthy? Like making it with brown rice. Depriving our cricketers of natural gifts is inhumanity

 

[barah_admi]

The context to this discussion is that Wasim Akram mentioned last year that he spoke to domestic cricketers and they were stating that they were still given Biryani during matches. That is the point here. There is no Biryani served to the international cricketers. Mickey would have thrown a fit if they were being given junk during international matches. In the OP, a catering company member serving cricketers during the QEA Trophy is specifically quoted.

Misbah has spoken about poor diet habits in general with regards to Pakistan cricket and domestic cricketers are included in that. He may not have any direct say in the matter but he holds a lot of influence now within the PCB. Check the press conference with Wasim Khan where he mentioned that Misbah's input will be taken on a number of issues, not Head Coach/Chief Selector specific. Whether he did it or someone else did, it doesn't matter. It's a good thing.

I don't really have enough knowledge about the other circuits to be worried about them though I have seen a few overweight cricketers here and there as well. I'm not sure whether that is due to personal negligence or institutional shortcomings. You can't control players but you can overcome institutional problems and I believe that is what is being done by PCB.

My point in mentioning other domestic circuits was to highlight the gap between domestic and international cricket. It exists just about every where, so of course the gap will may be higher for a system like Pakistan's.

In terms of Akram's comments, I can't comment on that because the article which started this thread does not contain them and that is what I am responding to. I am also responding to the general sentiment on here that somehow Pakistani players are atrociously unfit, which is not backed up by any factual data (which i presented).

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Just had the best biryani of my life yesterday. Is there no way they can make it healthy? Like making it with brown rice. Depriving our cricketers of natural gifts is inhumanity

Sport isnt meant for people who cant sacrifice.

 

[Savak]

Sport isnt meant for people who cant sacrifice.

Thats cruel. Heavyweight Boxers enjoy life during the off season

 

[Savak]

Mickey Arthur made some interesting comments on the players, he was like they mostly bought into the fitness regime but they had a bad habit of gorging on comfy foods when under stress and pressure.

 

[Savak]

Mickey Arthur is like the team management can control what the players have for breakfast, during the lunch and tea break, but they cannot control what the players had at night and our players took full advantage of their fan base abroad who constantly invited them for big dinners with lots of oily foods, soft drinks and he tried to deal with that by introducing extra training sessions to help the players burn it all off

 

[azimiqbal]

If your a sportsman having a clean diet is a necessary sacrifice.

Gone are the days of unfit cricketers.

With the talented we had in the 90’s we should of ruled the world.

But mentality, poor management and fitness let us down

 

[Nasty Naz]

You can try to force as much as you can but at the end of the day, if a player wants to eat junk, they'll fine ways to do it. A person can't be monitored 24/7.

A player needs to be motivated to do it himself personally if they are really going to buy in. The want/need to get improve & get better in way, shape or form. It's disappointing that it doesn't seem like our players have that hunger to become great, to do everything necessary to perform at their best and do it for a long time. Some did like Younis/Misbah who stayed in great shape for so long and had a willingness to improve. They just need from more from often from their own players but someone shouldn't have to push or forcee them to do it, it needs to be more "I am going to do XYZ to become the best player possible".

 

[Savak]

You can try to force as much as you can but at the end of the day, if a player wants to eat junk, they'll fine ways to do it. A person can't be monitored 24/7.

A player needs to be motivated to do it himself personally if they are really going to buy in. The want/need to get improve & get better in way, shape or form. It's disappointing that it doesn't seem like our players have that hunger to become great, to do everything necessary to perform at their best and do it for a long time. Some did like Younis/Misbah who stayed in great shape for so long and had a willingness to improve. They just need from more from often from their own players but someone shouldn't have to push or forcee them to do it, it needs to be more "I am going to do XYZ to become the best player possible".

Sami Aslam was dropped from the team after being caught having Karhai in his room.

 

[Pakistanian]

They should be allowed a cheat day.

 

[silentkiller187]

International level sports require a certain part of discipline, however looking at the county circuit in the UK, it is a myth that every single cricketer is as fit as a fiddle and would be considered an athlete. A lot of county players will have numerous pints of beer at the end of the days play and then go back and do the same again the next day. Nothing different to our players and biriyani, we do love to go a bit OTT in our criticisms. But i agree once you are on the radar or selected it is the players responsibility to ensure they keep in shape, coaches can guide but they are not going to do it for you.

 

[Pakhs]

International level sports require a certain part of discipline, however looking at the county circuit in the UK, it is a myth that every single cricketer is as fit as a fiddle and would be considered an athlete. A lot of county players will have numerous pints of beer at the end of the days play and then go back and do the same again the next day. Nothing different to our players and biriyani, we do love to go a bit OTT in our criticisms. But i agree once you are on the radar or selected it is the players responsibility to ensure they keep in shape, coaches can guide but they are not going to do it for you.

Beer is not same as biryani - Beer might make you fat or has high sugar content but if you are not gaining weight its fine. However you eat biryani until you are full up which I am afraid will definitely affect your fitness.

 

[silentkiller187]

Beer is not same as biryani - Beer might make you fat or has high sugar content but if you are not gaining weight its fine. However you eat biryani until you are full up which I am afraid will definitely affect your fitness.

Beer will also have negative affects on your mindset and can affect your cognitive movements, also the term beer belly comes from the fact that beer will make you GAIN WEIGHT. The key is everything in moderation but lets not tarnish everyone under the same brush, they are both as good or bad as each other dependent on the moderation.

 

[Rellu_Katta]

dont think once in a while a cheat meal would effect anything .... be it beer or biriyani (wat a deadly combo has been developed here lol) its the regularity of anything like this that will effect a sportsman/sportswomen