New Delhi: The Afghanistan cricket team found themselves in an unexpected situation in Barbados, West Indies, where they had to don the chef's hat due to the unavailability of halal meat at their team hotel. Halal meat, a crucial part of their dietary requirements, was not provided, leaving the players with no choice but to cook their own meals or seek food outside the hotel. This was a stark contrast to the exceptional hospitality they experienced in India during the ODI World Cup 2023.
A Stark Contrast from India to the Caribbean After enjoying marvellous hospitality in India, the Afghan players arrived in the West Indies for the T20 World Cup 2024. However, they faced uncertainty regarding the availability of halal meat at their Bridgetown hotel. Although halal meat is available on the Caribbean island, it is not guaranteed at all hotels and restaurants.
"Halal meat is not available in our hotel. Sometimes we cook on our own, or sometimes we go out. In the last World Cup in India, everything was perfect. Halal beef is an issue here. We had it in St. Lucia, but it is not there at all venues. A friend arranged it for us, and we cooked on our own," a player told the media.
Logistical Challenges During Super 8s The scheduling of the Super 8s in the T20 World Cup 2024 has added another layer of complexity. Teams are required to play three games in three different countries, making logistics a nightmare with only one day of travel between crucial matches.
Another team member acknowledged the impact of this scheduling on their preparations. "There is uncertainty over flights and training schedules. We are often informed about it at the last minute. We understand that the organisers are doing their best considering logistical challenges, which are bigger in the Caribbean than anywhere else," he said.
A Tough Start in Super 8s Afghanistan lost their first Super 8s match by 47 runs against India at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. They are set to face a resurgent Australian team on June 23, Sunday.
Despite these challenges, the Afghanistan team remains focused and determined to perform their best in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
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