‘No more Biryani’ – Misbah issues strict diet plan

Misbah-ul-Haq, who recently was appointed the Head Coach and Chief Selector of the Pakistan men's cricket team, issued a directive for a strict diet plan, say reports.

According to IANS, Misbah took note of the deteriorating fitness standards of the players and thus offered a new directive which will help them become more agile and fit on the ground.

Reportedly, Misbah has asked for a change in diet for the players in the national camp and the domestic tournament to instill a new fitness culture in the team. The 43-year-old has said that players will not be having biryani or oil-rich red meat meals or sweet dishes.

“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 log book will be maintained on their fitness and diet plans and anyone found lacking would be shown the door,” several Indian media outlets including Times of India quoted a source as saying.

“According to reports Misbah-ul-Haq has changed the diet and nutrition plans for players in the domestic tournaments and in the national camp - no more biryani or oil rich red meat meals or sweet dishes for the players now,” a Pakistani journalist tweeted.

According to a Pakistan based media report from Daily Jang, the players are now being served healthier food during matches such as barbecue, pasta and fruits, especially at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The new diet will help keep the players’ weight in check and improve fitness. Misbah has also instructed the regional team coaches to focus on the players’ dietary and fitness regimes.

He has also been omnipresent at the PCB properties and been monitoring the matches

Misbah was recently handed the dual role of the head coach and chief selector by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Waqar Younis has been appointed as the bowling coach of the team for the next three years.