The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has made it clear that the BCCI can make separate accommodation arrangements for Indian cricketers at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, but the cricket board will have to take care of all the related responsibilities.
According to a report in The Times of India, if the BCCI feels the accommodation provided by the Asian Games organisers does not meet the requirements of the Indian cricket teams, it can choose to make its own arrangements.
However, in that case, the BCCI will also have to handle the players’ food, transport and other logistics, including making sure they reach the competition venue on time.
ALSO READ: ‘Picked Out of Fear’: Ex-Chief Selector Questions India’s Squad Selection For Afghanistan T20Is
IOA leaves accommodation decision to BCCI
The IOA will not ask the organisers to provide separate accommodation for the Indian cricket teams. Instead, it has left the matter to the BCCI and the Games Organising Committee to find a solution that works for everyone.
IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer said the BCCI has already discussed the matter with the organisation and is considering sending a team to Japan to check the facilities before making a final decision.
“BCCI CEO Hemang Amin got in touch with us, and we had a fruitful discussion. They are contemplating sending an advance team to Japan to assess the facilities,” Iyer said.
“The IOA is completely fine with that. Based on their assessment, they can decide whether they want to use the organisers’ facilities or make their own arrangements,” Iyer added.
Hotels become a key concern
For now, the Games organisers have already allotted hotels to both Indian cricket teams.
As per the report, the men’s team will stay at the three-star APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae, while the women’s team has been given the four-star Meitetsu Grand Hotel.
Both hotels have the facilities needed by the teams, but they are below the five-star standard Indian cricketers usually stay in. The teams are also expected to stay in twin-sharing rooms, which has become another concern for the BCCI.
Women’s team faces tight schedule
The Indian women’s team will be the first to face the logistical challenge.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s team is scheduled to return from the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, September 13, before flying to Nagoya the following day. India will begin its Asian Games campaign on September 17.
With the turnaround so short, the BCCI is expected to pay close attention to the team’s travel, accommodation and recovery arrangements.
BCCI to send advance team to Japan
The BCCI is expected to send an advance team to Japan early next week. The team will inspect the hotels, cricket venue and other facilities before the board decides whether the players will stay at the accommodation provided by the organisers.
Recommended For You
Iyer said the BCCI’s decision to send a team in advance would help ensure the players do not face unnecessary problems during the Games.
“BCCI is taking care of its athletes, and sending an advance team is the right way to assess the facilities before making a decision. We are completely for the well-being of the athletes,” Iyer said.
“The objective is to ensure athletes can focus only on their performance and don’t face logistical issues. We are thinking well in advance about their welfare, comfort and acclimatisation and this is something which is happening for the first time,” Iyer added.