Security stumps Pakistan’s tandoori nights in Kolkata

There was a time when a Pakistan team coming to Kolkata meant many of the players would be found at the best restaurants gorging on biryani, murgh mussallam and tandoori chicken.

There was a time when a Pakistan team coming to Kolkata meant many of the players would be found at the best restaurants gorging on biryani, murgh mussallam and tandoori chicken. But after all the drama, the security around the team has been so tight for the World Twenty20 this time that they have not been able to step out of their hotel even for a cup of coffee.

Pakistan's Captain Shahid Afridi (L) and the team's bowling coach Azhar Mahmood during their training session at the Eden Gardens. (PTI Photo)

Even coach Waqar Younis conceded that this trip has been all about shuttling between the team hotel and the ground. “The security has been good. We have not left the hotel yet,” said Waqar. Except for Mohammad Hafeez, who went sari shopping on Thursday, all other players have been confined to their rooms. The Pakistan team has strictly relied on room service and the spread at the Eden Gardens dressing room during training sessions and matches.

Curiously though, there haven’t been many demands from the team. “They have been extremely courteous. Of course, we try to keep the dressing room menu as varied as possible,” said a person privy to the team’s activities at the ground. “We have stuck to light snacks like sandwich, fresh fruits like apple and banana, besides coffee and tea. We have also added chicken tandoori and different types of kebab to the menu for the Pakistan team,” he said.