BCCI's recommendation of serving Halal meat to Indian players ignites controversy

A huge controversy erupted after it was revealed that BCCI has mandated the caterers to only serve halal meat to the Indian players during their stay in Kanpur for the 1st Test against New Zealand. Also, as per the menu, no pork and beef will be served to the players. For the unversed, Halal meat is consumed by Muslims across the globe. It's a way of slaughter where the jugular vein is cut and left till the blood drains out completely. The recommendations by the BCCI has not gone down too well with the ruling government, Bhartiya Janta Party, who has asked for the immediate withdrawal of the ultimatum.

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"The players can eat whatever they want but who has given BCCI the right to introduce 'halal' meat. This is illegal and we will not allow it," BJP spokesperson and advocate Gaurav Goel said in a video posted from his Twitter handle.

Meanwhile, a former India cricketer said that beef and pork are not usually served to the players thus their exclusion from the menu is not surprising. "During my time in the team, I have never seen any beef or pork items being served on match days in the dressing room. At least, never in India. So I don't think apart from putting pen to paper, anything new has been done," the cricketer told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"Before anyone tries to read between the lines, beef, with its excessive fat content just like goat meat isn't advisable for cricketers. "We were always advised to have lean protein which is generally grilled chicken and fish," he said.

In the menu, as reported by Indian express, only chicken and lamb items will be served.