Before the two-match Test series versus New Zealand gets underway in Kanpur, Team India’s “catering requirements” are doing the rounds on social media.

According to a circular accessed by news agency PTI and other media organisations, the Ajinkya Rahane-led team prefers “no beef or pork whatsover is any form or variety”. Another instruction that grabs eyeballs is “all meat items must be halal”.

Recommendation raises eyebrows

BJP spokesperson and advocate Gaurav Goel demanded immediate withdrawal of the recommendation. "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," Goel said in a video posted from his twitter handle.

"This decision is not right. It should be withdrawn immediately."

None of the BCCI officials, contacted by the PTI, was ready to speak about the document, which is believed to be prepared by the support staff and medical team keeping the dietary requirements in mind.

Usually Hindus and Sikhs prefer 'jhatka' meat while Muslims largely prefer 'halaal'. In the Halal form of slaughter, animals are killed with a cut to the jugular vein and are left till the blood drains out completely. In the jhatka method, the animal is killed instantaneously.

A former India cricketer said exclusion of beef and pork items is not surprising though it was never documented before. "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.

The game ahead

Senior India opener KL Rahul was on Tuesday ruled out of the two-Test series against New Zealand due to a muscle strain in his left thigh, a development which is expected to open up debut opportunity for either Shreyas Iyer or Suryakumar Yadav.

The opening Test is scheduled to begin in Kanpur from Thursday and Suryakumar has been added to the Indian squad.

"Team India batsman KL Rahul has sustained a muscle strain on his left thigh and has been ruled out of the upcoming 2-match Paytm Test series against New Zealand," BCCI said in a release.

"He will now undergo rehabilitation at NCA in preparation for the series against South Africa scheduled next month," the release added.

Rahul was missing from the Indian team's customary practice session, attended by almost all the players at the Green Park stadium on Tuesday.

(With PTI inputs)