Meet Kazim Hussain, the man ensuring top cricketers are well-nourished

LAHORE: Food is a quite essential component of a sportsman’s life. It is the fuel, which provides the desired nutrition that keeps an athlete going through every phase.

Meet Kazim Hussain, at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, who has been for the past 13 years ensuring that the country’s elite cricketers take in the necessary nourishment to remain at the top of their game.

It was in 2006 when Kazim, now a PCB Executive Chef, took the reins of the NCA’s kitchen. Since then his culinary art and meticulous meal preparation has impressed many Pakistan internationals.

Speaking to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Kazim said: “Such is love for food, which is prepared here that our cricketers prefer eating at the NCA despite staying in five-star hotels during international series.”

Inspired by his mother’s detail-oriented cooking, which resulted in scrumptious meals, Kazim took up cooking as a profession. Reliving the old days, the 58-year-old said he used to help his mother in preparation of lunch upon his return to home from college.

Kazim, now leads a team of nine chefs, took cooking courses, before turning it into his profession in 1993.

Over the years, Kazim has served his food to many Pakistan internationals.

The top chef said that tall left-arm pacer, Mohammad Irfan, had a big appetite. “He loves food and eats whatever is available,” said Kazim with a chuckle.

About veteran all-rounder, Shoaib Malik, he said: “Shoaib Malik loves to eat Pasta made up of green chilies. Every time he is at the NCA, his favourite pasta is served to him.”

Imam-ul-Haq, according to Kazim, is the most cautious about his diet.

“Imam-ul-Haq keeps a real good check on his diet,” says Kazim. “He only eats fruit and yogurt during lunch time.”

Though, Kazim has served his food to renowned cricketers, there remains one person for whom he wishes to cook.

“I have cooked for many great players and cricket administrators like Intikhab Alam, Rashid Latif and Waqar Younis. But, my wish is to cook and serve food to Imran Khan, the prime minister of Pakistan.”