Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar recently shared a humorous yet insightful comparison between the diet of Pakistani and Australian players, shedding light on why he believes Australian cricketers tend to have more physical power.

During a post-match analysis on PTV Sports, Akhtar humorously highlighted that while Australian athletes focus on nutritious foods to fuel their energy and build muscle, Pakistani players often indulge in rich, traditional dishes like nihari and paya.

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According to Akhtar, this dietary choice might be affecting Pakistani players’ performance on the field, especially in terms of strength and fitness. His commentary came during Pakistan’s T20 series against Australia, which concluded with Australia winning convincingly.

He expressed concern about the fitness levels of Pakistani players and suggested that their dietary habits could be a significant reason why they lag behind other teams in physicality and endurance.

What is Shoaib Akhtar’s take on diet and fitness?

During the discussion, Akhtar humorously noted that Pakistani players often consume heavy, traditional foods. He pointed out, “Our players are eating nihari aur paya.”

In contrast, Australian players follow a disciplined diet that emphasizes lean proteins, vegetables, and balanced nutrition. According to Akhtar, this diet fuels Australians with more power, enabling them to perform with higher stamina and intensity on the field.

While speaking on PTV Sports, Akthar said:

“Our people have grown up on nihari and paya, while in Australia, they focus on fitness to build strength. Over there, players truly become athletes.”

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Akhtar believes this difference in diet contributes to the fitness gap between the two teams. While Australia’s diet and fitness regimen builds strength, speed, and resilience, Pakistan’s rich and oily foods may hinder optimal physical performance.

Shoaib Akhtar explained that a player’s diet plays a crucial role in their overall strength and fitness. He credited Australia’s superiority in terms of physicality and power on the field to their focus on high-energy, healthy foods.

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Akhtar mentioned that Australian players’ training and dietary discipline have consistently set them apart in terms of athleticism. He highlighted that a balanced diet, like that of the Australian team, is key to performing well, especially in the demanding international cricket arena.

By comparing nihari and paya to high-protein, nutrient-dense meals, Akhtar pointed to the importance of diet in sports. His comments suggest that if Pakistan aims to match Australia in physical prowess, players may need to rethink their food choices and embrace a diet better suited to the demands of international cricket.