PETA India advises Pakistan cricket team to go Vegan

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India have advised the Pakistan’s head coach Misbahul Haq to introduce a vegan diet for the Men in Green.

PETA India’s Nutritionist Dr Kiran Ahuja, in a letter to Misbah, appreciated the former captain’s decision to improve Pakistan player’s eating habits.

“I commend your decision to require Pakistan's cricketers to eat more healthily. This is a wonderful first step, and we hope you'll now consider encouraging them to eat vegan (wholly plant-based),” wrote Ahuja. “From tennis legend Novak Djokovic to Formula 1 champ Lewis Hamilton, elite sports stars are opting for vegetables, fruits, pulses, grains, and other vegan foods instead of animal-derived ones to improve their game and their general health.”

The doctor insisted that going vegan has helped various athletes in improving their performances and encouraged the Men in Green to follow suit.

"Former Australia cricketer Jason Gillespie stays in top shape by eating vegan, and US women's national football team star Alex Morgan says that being vegan makes her "stronger and helps with fatigue and recovery," he wrote. "Athletes who eat vegan foods also score big for protecting animals and the environment, making them all-round winners. PETA India would be happy to provide additional nutritional information, cooking and shopping tips, and anything else you might need."

READ MORE: Misbah transforms players' diet, nutrition plans

Misbah recently enforced drastic changes to the diet and nutrition plans for the players featuring in domestic tournaments and international cricket for the country.

The changes have been applied to the ongoing domestic tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam (QeA) Trophy, and would be applied to the national team in the future. The decision was taken in order to improve the overall fitness levels of the athletes of the country.