A cricket club has become the first in the UK to go vegan after Muslim and Hindu players were excluded from tea between innings.
Players at the Earley Cricket Club in Reading, Berks, are now served a menu featuring vegan-friendly Moroccan tagine, curries and rice, lasagne and garlic bread and spaghetti bolognese.
The committee voted in favour of replacing the traditional platter of sandwiches and cake following a campaign by chairman and opening batsman Gary Shacklady.
Players at the Earley Cricket Club in Reading, Berks, are now served a menu featuring vegan-friendly Moroccan tagine, curries and rice, lasagne and garlic bread and spaghetti Bolognese
The 33 year old, a primary school teacher who set up the club 12 years ago and is vegan himself, felt that the club's meat-based catering meant Muslim and Hindu players were being excluded from joining in fully with club life.
He said: "We had one member who was very against it. He felt that it was quite exclusive and against people's right to meat."
Four of his teammates have been inspired to switch to plant based diets entirely as a result of the move.
They join a handful of the world's best players in making the switch, including India captain Virat Kohli and Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle.
Mr Shacklady added: "The teas have been well received as our players understand and support the reasoning behind the decision.
He said: "We had one member who was very against it. He felt that it was quite exclusive and against people's right to meat."
Four of his teammates have been inspired to switch to plant based diets entirely as a result of the move.
They join a handful of the world's best players in making the switch, including India captain Virat Kohli and Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle.
Mr Shacklady added: "The teas have been well received as our players understand and support the reasoning behind the decision.
"It also means we can produce a far larger quantity of food for a lower cost. When other teams come to us, they pile their plates high. And when they eat the food, nobody complains.
"Although you usually get one middle-aged white man who is horrified. It's fine, he doesn't have to eat it. But the point is that everyone can."
The club play in Division 2 and Division 3 of the Berkshire Cricket League.
"Although you usually get one middle-aged white man who is horrified. It's fine, he doesn't have to eat it. But the point is that everyone can."
The club play in Division 2 and Division 3 of the Berkshire Cricket League.
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