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BCCI Books Own Housing for Men's Cricket Team at Asian Games

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BCCI has arranged separate accommodation for its full-strength men's cricket team at the Asian Games in Japan, secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has arranged separate accommodation for its men's cricket team at the Asian Games in Japan, secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed. The decision came as reports of a crisis over housing arrangements emerged from the Games.

Saikia said the board acted because the men's contingent exceeds the number of members permitted by the organisers. "BCCI has arranged its own arrangement for the men's team since the contingent is much bigger than the permissible number of members because of the size of the support staff. We don't want to segregate the men's team during the tournament," he said.

The women's team, by contrast, is staying in the facilities provided by the local organising committee. Saikia explained that its contingent falls within the cap of 20 members, so no separate booking was needed.

Despite the housing move, Saikia backed the organisers on match-day facilities, even as other Asian cricket boards raised objections about the quality of the ground. "We fully trust the organising committee to give the best facilities. This is a big event and I am sure they will do what is required," he said. He added that he would reach Japan on October 1 and could only give a clear assessment of the situation after arriving.

Full-strength squad with Bumrah and Iyer

The BCCI's choice to send a full-strength Twenty20 international side has drawn contrasting views within Indian cricket. The tournament overlaps with the start of preparations for next year's ODI World Cup, and India are scheduled to play a home ODI series against the West Indies during the same window. At least seven first-choice ODI players are travelling to the Asian Games.

The approach marks a change from the previous edition. India won gold at the 2023 Asian Games with a second-string team, with the leading players held back to prepare for the 2023 ODI World Cup. This time the squad includes fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and regular captain Shreyas Iyer.

Saikia defended the selection by pointing to the weight the board attaches to an Asian Games gold. "We are eyeing a gold medal which is very important. We all know India can field three strong teams at a time. We see Asian Games as a very important assignment which can't be given secondary treatment. That's why our full-strength team including Bumrah and regular captain Iyer is going. An Asian Games gold is as important as any other big tournament," he said.

Asked about the different strategy used in 2023, Saikia declined to weigh in. "I wasn't the secretary when the last Asian Games happened. So, I can't comment on it," he said.

T20I against Japan on September 22

The BCCI has also announced a Twenty20 international against Japan on September 22 to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Saikia said the fixture was the initiative of ICC chairman Jay Shah, who wants to expand the game's reach.

"It's the initiative of ICC chairman Jay Shah who wants to take cricket to every nook and corner of the world. He made me sit with my Japanese counterpart during the last ICC meet in Edinburgh in July this year. Japan is a country where cricket is growing gradually. Mr. Shah took this initiative and we agreed to the idea," Saikia said.

With the men's team housed separately and its stars committed to the campaign, the BCCI is treating the Games as a priority assignment while keeping one eye on its packed international calendar at home.

BCCI, Asian Games cricket, Devajit Saikia, India men's cricket team, Jasprit Bumrah, India vs Japan T20I, Jay Shah, T20I team

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