The Indian Olympic Association has firmly stated that cricket will not receive special accommodation treatment at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Should the Board of Control for Cricket in India decide that official Games hotels are unsuitable for its teams, the cricket body will shoulder complete responsibility for securing lodging, meals, transportation, and timely venue arrival.
IOA leadership emphasized their commitment to providing equitable treatment across all 36 sports represented in India’s delegation. An IOA official noted that the BCCI has expressed interest in sending a preliminary assessment team to Japan to evaluate facilities before making final decisions. The Games organizers have currently allocated three-star and four-star hotels for the men’s and women’s cricket teams respectively, though these fall short of the premium accommodations Indian cricketers typically receive.
The timing presents additional logistical challenges for both squads. India’s women’s team returns from the Asia Cup in Dubai on September 13 and must depart for Japan the following day, with their Games quarterfinal commencing just five days later. The men’s contingent will travel later in September, entering competition at the quarterfinal stage as well.
If the BCCI opts for independent accommodations, all athletes will remain within the Games system, subject to security protocols and anti-doping procedures administered by international testing authorities. The decision underscores the IOA’s position that while supporting athlete welfare, individual sports bodies must resolve their own logistical requirements independently.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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