Pampered Asian Games cricket chiefs in moan over lack of 5-star accommodation for players

Japan will host both men’s and women’s T20 matches at newly built ground in Nisshin, but reports suggest not all facilities are up to scratch

While players around the world are often happy if a ground has proper boundaries and there isn’t broken glass in the outfield, Asian Games cricket chiefs have been complaining about a lack of luxury accommodation for their pampered stars.

A Sri Lankan official said the Asian Cricket Council had heard concerns over a lack of five-star hotels near the ground in Japan where games will be played, while India are reportedly threatening to send a second-string team.

Both the men’s and women’s T20 cricket will be played at the host’s newly built cricket ground in Nisshin, with matches starting on September 17.

But reports of tents serving as dressing rooms for players, distant washroom facilities and lack of top-class accommodation for cricketers have raised eyebrows.

“There are some concerns with regard to the quality of accommodation being provided and also with regard to the logistics,” Prakash Schaffter, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary, told reporters in Colombo.

He said the ACC executive committee had discussed the Asian Games with “some degree of detail” at its recently concluded meeting in Bangkok.