England toured Pakistan in a historic seven-match T20I series which England won in the finale and are now all set to return to the shores of Pakistan for a Test series after 17 years. This time England will have an added man with them on board for the dining option. The last tour left a sour taste in the mouths of a few English players as the food they were served caused them illness.
This has prompted England to not take chances with their supper. The feedback of the players was that the food provided to them at the hotel and on the ground was not of sufficient quality.
The designated chef who is poised to fly with England had previously served the England football team. According to The Telegraph, Omar Meziane, who has worked with England’s football team and Harlequins, will be the travelling chef.
Now, with an in-house chef, England can waive eating at hotel and on ground. With this historic Test series, it is reported that it is the first time that a personal chef will tag along with England as the food available in Pakistan is of subpar quality.
The chef will link up with the England squad when they arrive in Pakistan on Sunday (November 27). The Three Lions are currently in Abu Dhabi where they were spectators of the Grand Prix and were among the special guests, thanks to Ben Stokes' sponsorship deal with Red Bull and later enjoyed having a crack at the golf course.
Attesting to the fact is Moeen Ali who captained the T20I series in the absence of injured Jos Buttler, said after winning the series “Food wise. I’ve been a little bit disappointed in Lahore. Karachi was really nice.”
It is essential for England to tread carefully with what they consume, as one of the reasons also is that Jack Leach has Crohn's disease and therefore suffers from a weakened immune system.
The move to appoint a special chef which shows a lack of trust in the hospitality of Pakistan runs the risk of offending the hosts but England with a coach like Brendon McCullum take the health and fitness of the team very gravely.