Inspiring from many of its Indian origin players, a cricket club from south-east England has turned fully vegan not merely in terms of eatables but is also refraining from the use of balls made of animal products during the practice session.
Earley Cricket Club, which runs two teams in the Berkshire Cricket League and plays competitive as well as regular friendly matches, makes up diverse range of age and nationalities.
The club now serves up Indian curries as well as a range of other vegan alternatives for their mid-match meal (tea).
“All the players love our teas, which range from sandwiches with veg and humus fillings, potatoes, vegan chili or a kind of English version of rajma, spring rolls, and fruits. The teas cover a well-rounded diet and provide us a strong sense of contribution towards a cleaner environment,” said Prasad Menon, a Pune-born all-rounder who has been part of the club for over 10 years.
The chairman of the club, Gary Shacklady, who himself is vegan noticed that many of the meals, especially at away grounds, were out of reach to many of the players, including Hindu and Muslim players, who do not eat beef and pork on religious grounds.
“As a vegan myself, I found the same barriers, so we removed the barrier and now everyone piles their plates high,” said Shacklady, who decided to provide a “tea” which would give people of all faiths the same level of choice.
“Gary is a staunch supporter of veganism, and often prepares teas for all our home games. It is his passion towards veganism which led to tasty, more healthy and ethical teas being introduced,” notes Menon.
“It was us and people from Pakistani origin (preferring halal), who were often reduced to a packet of crisps (chips) and fruits during our teas because traditional local teas often comprised of meat and egg sandwiches and meat pizzas,” said the opening swing bowler and lower middle-order batsman, who believes the vegan meals are also healthier and more conducive for the purposes of the game.
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The club has sizeable Indian origin players as well as Pakistani origin and others from South Africa and the Caribbean.
“The club was started by a bunch of youths in Lower Earley neighborhood in Reading town and has since grown into a much diverse mix of like-minded individuals who love their cricket, love their curry and like to have a good laugh,” explains Menon, who got involved following a chance encounter with club chairman Shacklady on a train.
“We have started experimenting with vegan balls in the nets. They aren’t match worthy yet. Hopefully, manufacturers would invest in it if there is larger demand,” said Menon.
The club also tests out vegan balls during practice sessions in the nets.
