New Delhi: The BCCI has addressed concerns after four Australia A players fell ill following a meal at a hotel in Kanpur during their recent India A tour. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla clarified the situation, stressing that the players’ illness was unlikely to be linked to the hotel food.
The incident occurred last week after the second ODI between India A and Australia A. Henry Thornton’s condition was serious enough to require hospitalisation at Regency Hospital, where he was stabilised. The episode sparked questions over the quality of food and accommodations provided to visiting teams.
Shukla dismissed suggestions of unhygienic food, noting that the meals came from the reputable Hotel Landmark. “If there had been an issue with the food, all players, including the Indian players, would have fallen sick. It must have been something else. They are being fed food from one of the finest hotels, Hotel Landmark; the food is good, and everyone is eating the same. Since a few players have fallen ill, idhar udhar se koi infection aa gaya hoga (They may have contracted an infection), and we are handling it,” he told reporters.
Kanpur, UP: During the IND A vs AUS A match, some Australian players fell ill. The Food Department has collected samples of several food items from the Landmark Hotel for testing
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla says, “If there was anything wrong with the food, all India-Australia… pic.twitter.com/NLVeAC4rFh
— IANS (@ians_india) October 5, 2025
Logistics pose challenge
Shukla also highlighted the logistical challenges faced in Kanpur. “The issue arises because there aren’t many hotels. We need 300 rooms in a five-star hotel, and that’s not available. There is no international airport in the area that operates 24 hours a day. Had better arrangements been in place, they would have gained an advantage,” he explained.
When asked why similar problem don’t arise during the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shukla clarified the franchises handle their own arrangements. “In the case of the IPL, everything depends on the franchises. They decide where the players stay, and it’s entirely their choice, as the BCCI does not have any role in the decision-making. They choose a hotel of their preference,” he added.
India clinch ODI series
On the field, India A ended the series on a high note. The side led by Shreyas Iyer, defeated Australia A by two wickets in the third and final ODI at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, sealing the three-match series 2-1. India A were chasing a target of 318 runs which was propelled by Prabhsimran Singh, who scored a blistering 102 off 68 balls, supported by Riyan Parag’s 62 from 55 deliveries. Iyer contributed a captain’s knock of 62 off 58 balls to guide the chase.
Vipraj Nigam and Arshdeep Singh remained unbeaten on 24 and 7 runs respectively, helping India A reach the target with 24 balls to spare. India had won the opening match of the series while Australia A had bounced back to claim the second match, making the final game a decider.
While the focus off the field remained on the food poisoning scare, India A’s performance ensured the series ended on a competitive and successful note for the hosts. Shukla’s clarification has now quelled concerns over the incident, pointing instead to isolated health issues rather than any problem with the catering arrangements.