Cricket bat-wielding Turkish chef meets Peshawar Zalmi head, gets special gift from Pakistan

Ever since he arrived in the South Asian country for a four-day tour on Saturday, renowned Turkish chef Burak Özdemir has not only been exploring the country’s luscious and traditional delicacies but also one of the most prominent sports deeply rooted in Pakistani history.

The 26-year-old, also known as Burak CZN, on Tuesday met with Chairman of Peshawar Zalmi, Javed Afridi, and expressed his special interest in cricket.

Javed Afridi presented the Turkish chef with a traditional turban, shawl and a Zalmi jersey, saying: "Pak-Turkish friendship will be further strengthened through cricket and sports."

Özdemir in turn underlined that cricket had been promoted in Turkey when two Turkish cricketers joined the Peshawar Zalmi team in the fourth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

During his trip, the Turkish food connoisseur, known for his unique cooking style and giant dishes, visited the Army Museum in Rawalpindi and Pakistan’s picture-perfect Murree hills, and expressed his awe at the natural beauty of Pakistan.

In a video that is making the rounds on social media, the Turkish chef is seen saying, "Pakistani tea is fantastic, a reference to the iconic quote of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured after his fighter jet was shot down by Pakistan Air Force in February.

Earlier on Saturday, he also hinted at plans to open a Turkish restaurant in the country