India defeated New Zealand on Sunday by 73 runs in the third T20I at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata to pull-off a clean-sweep over the country in the three match series. As the national team has been gearing up for the upcoming two match Test series against the Kiwis, a controversial news surrounding the players’ diet emerged.

Reports claimed that the Indian team management will only serve halal meat during the Test series and that the players have been banned from consuming beef and pork. “No pork and beef whatsoever in any form and variety. All meat must be Halal,” is written as part of the catering requirements and marked “important,” a report by a news agency read. The dietary restrictions were criticized by social media users for not allowing the players their own choice of food.

However, BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal has confirmed that the alleged diet plan had never been discussed by the board and hence there is no reason for it to be implemented. “The BCCI has not given any direction to any player or team staff on what to eat and what not to eat. All these rumours are baseless. This diet plan has never been discussed and will not be enforced. The board doesn't advise anyone on what to eat and what not to eat. They are free to choose their own food,” the treasurer was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, New Zealand’s dietary plan for the first Test match against India reportedly read, “The food should contain moderate amounts of carbohydrate and protein and lower amounts of fat, to ensure these athletes get all the energy and nutrients required for their training and games. The prepared food must have plenty of flavour and be as fresh and natural as possible.”

Team India, led by Ajinkya Rahane, will play against New Zealand in the series opener at Green Park on Thursday. Indian batsman KL Rahul has been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand owing to a muscle strain in his left thigh, while Suryakumar Yadav has been announced as his replacement.