The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has arranged separate, independent accommodation for the Indian men's cricket team at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, this decision was made because the size of the men's contingent -- inflated by a large support staff -- exceeded the permissible limits set by the organising committee. The board chose to fund its own arrangements to avoid separating team members during the tournament.
In contrast, the women's cricket team is staying within the official facilities provided by the organising committee, as their total contingent size fits comfortably within the allowed 20-member limit.
"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," Saikia told TOI.
"The women’s team is staying in the facilities provided by the organising committee since the size of the contingent is within the permissible number of 20 members," he added.
Despite reports that other Asian cricket boards have raised concerns regarding the quality of the match venues and grounds, Saikia expressed full confidence in the local organising committee to deliver satisfactory on-ground facilities.
The BCCI secretary is scheduled to arrive at the venue on October 1 to personally assess the circumstances and ground realities.
"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. I'll be reaching there on Oct 1. Only then I can give you a clear picture of the circumstances," he stated.
The Indian team will go with its premier players for the continental event, including Jasprit Bumrah and regular captain Shreyas Iyer. This decision means several first-choice T20I players will miss a home ODI series against the West Indies, which is part of the preparations for next year's ODI World Cup.
However, Saikia clarified that the BCCI is treating an Asian Games gold medal with the same prestige as any other major tournament.
"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," Saikia remarked.
"I wasn't the secretary when the last Asian Games happened. So, I can't comment on it," he added.
The BCCI has announced a special T20I match between India and Japan to be played on September 22, 2026. The match is organized to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Saikia revealed the idea for this fixture was initiated by ICC Chairman Jay Shah, as part of his vision to expand the global footprint of cricket.
"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," said Saikia.
