The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly been told by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) that it will have to accept the accommodation arranged for its cricketers at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya or make alternative arrangements at its own expense.

According to a report by the Times of India, the IOA has rejected the BCCI’s request for special accommodation for the Indian cricket teams. However, it has made it clear that the BCCI is free to arrange separate facilities if the accommodation provided by the Asian Games organisers does not meet its requirements.

BCCI to assess facilities in Japan

IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer said BCCI CEO Hemang Amin had contacted the association and that the two sides had held a constructive discussion.

“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 was quoted as saying.

“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,” he added.

The BCCI is reportedly planning to send an advance team to Aichi-Nagoya next week to inspect the accommodation and other facilities before taking a final decision.

Separate hotels for men's and women's teams

The Asian Games organisers have already allocated accommodation for both the Indian men's and women's cricket teams.

According to the report, the Shreyas Iyer-led men's team has been allotted rooms at the three-star APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae, while the Harmanpreet Kaur-led women's team is scheduled to stay at the four-star Meitetsu Grand Hotel.

The accommodation standards are reportedly below the five-star level typically associated with India's elite cricketers. The BCCI has also reportedly raised concerns over the room allocation, with athletes expected to stay on a twin-sharing basis.

Should the BCCI opt for separate accommodation, it will also be responsible for arrangements related to its players, including food and ensuring they reach competition venues on time.

Women's team faces tight schedule

The Indian women's team faces an additional logistical challenge. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side is scheduled to travel to Japan just a day after the Asia Cup final, provided India reaches the summit clash.

Iyer said the BCCI’s decision to send an advance team was an appropriate step to assess the arrangements and stressed that the IOA was focused on the welfare of all athletes.

“The BCCI is taking care of its athletes, and sending an advanced team is the right way to assess the facilities before making a decision. We are completely for the well-being of the athletes,” he said.

The IOA maintained that it must ensure equal treatment for athletes competing across all 36 disciplines at the Asian Games.

“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.