NEW DELHI: The BCCI has stepped in to address logistical concerns surrounding India’s men’s cricket team ahead of its departure for the Asian Games, with several players reportedly awaiting correctly sized kits.
The Shreyas Iyer led side is scheduled to leave the national capital early Sunday morning for Japan. The team will first wear its regular India kit for the one off T20 International against Japan on September 22 before switching to the official Asian Games jersey for the tournament, which begins on September 28.
The kit issue has involved coordination between the BCCI, the Indian Olympic Association and its kit supplier. Most of the sizing problems have reportedly been resolved, while a few remaining items are expected to reach the players shortly.
The need for separate kits for the bilateral match and the Asian Games has added to the logistical requirements ahead of the team’s departure.
The BCCI has also made separate accommodation arrangements for the men’s team after concerns emerged over facilities provided through the Games organisers. The decision comes amid reports of delays and space constraints faced by some Indian athletes arriving in Nagoya.
The accommodation allocated to the men’s cricket team reportedly did not provide enough room for players to store their kit bags. With limited availability of large hotels in the area, the BCCI arranged alternative accommodation before the team’s departure.
The Indian women’s cricket team, meanwhile, has continued to stay at accommodation provided through the Olympic Games arrangements.
Additional concerns have also been raised over cricketing facilities in Japan, including the playing surface and overall match infrastructure.
The Asian Games do not have a conventional central Games Village this time. Athletes are being accommodated across hotels, cruise ships and container based facilities, creating additional logistical challenges for participating teams.
With the men’s cricket team preparing for its opening assignment against Japan, efforts are now focused on ensuring that the remaining equipment and accommodation arrangements are settled before the competition begins.