Japan cricket CEO says Asian Games teams free to book own hotels

Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji said on Wednesday that cricket teams competing at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya have been offered hotel accommodation by organisers but are free to arrange their own hotels if they prefer. His remarks came as some Asian cricket nations raised concerns about logistical arrangements, particularly the location and suitability of the rooms provided.

"The Asian Games is being organised by the organising committee Aichi-Nagoya Games Organizing Committee (AINAGOC) in collaboration with the ACC under the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)," Miyaji told PTI in an interview. "The JCA has provided support in some areas but is not directly involved so I am no able to directly answer all of your questions. What I can say is that all parties are working hard to ensure the success of Cricket in the Asian Games." He added that the ACC and AINAGOC have discussed accommodation options for a long time and that participating teams are being offered hotel accommodation.

At a recent Asian Cricket Council meeting, several major cricket-playing countries raised questions about the facilities and travel arrangements. India and Pakistan were among the full-member cricket boards seeking to send officials to Japan at the earliest opportunity to inspect the arrangements for players ahead of the Asian Games.

There have been reports that some rooms might not comfortably fit two players once cricket equipment, kitbags and personal luggage are taken into account, and that team washroom facilities could be as far as 500 metres from the cricket venue. The designated accommodation is around 20 kilometres away from the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture, where the cricket matches will be played.

Responding to comparisons with other sports, Miyaji said: "Many other sports are being accommodated in much more limited facilities such as a cruise ship or container hotels. The teams are free to arrange their own accommodation if they chose to do so." He stressed that toilets would be available within the player area.

On the venue infrastructure, Miyaji said: "There are both temporary and permanent facilities at the venue. The facilities on the ground are temporary, but AINAGOC have worked very closely with the ACC for over a year now to ensure that the best facilities are provided within the limited timeline and facility restrictions," Miyaji informed.

Addressing player comfort, Miyaji added: "Despite being temporary, the facilities will provide as comfortable a space as possible for the players and officials. There are also permanent facilities around the ground which will be available to the players." He expressed confidence in the event's staging and in cricket's presence at the Games.

"Cricket will be one of the largest sports in the Asian Games. It will also be the first time the top Cricket teams of Asia will be playing in Japan," said Miyaji.

The Asian Games are scheduled to begin on September 17; India’s men’s team will enter the competition at the quarter-final stage with Shreyas Iyer’s side set to play its opening match in Japan on September 28, while India’s women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will face hosts Japan in their first game on September 18.