IOA Rejects BCCI’s Special Stay Request for Asian Games

New Delhi, September 05, 2026 The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has reportedly declined the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) request for special accommodation for its cricketers at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The development highlights the IOA’s effort to maintain uniform arrangements for athletes across all sports, while allowing the BCCI the option to independently manage its players’ stay if it is not satisfied with the facilities offered by the organisers. According to reports, BCCI CEO Hemang Amin discussed the accommodation issue with IOA CEO Raghuram Iyer. The cricket board is now considering sending an advance team to Japan to inspect the facilities before deciding whether to use the accommodation arranged by the organisers or make separate arrangements. "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," the report quoted Iyer as saying. The organisers have already arranged accommodation for both the Indian men's and women's cricket teams. Reports state that the Shreyas Iyer-led men's side has been allotted rooms at the three-star APA Hotel Nagoya Ekimae, while the women's team will stay at the four-star Meitetsu Grand Hotel. Concerns within the BCCI have reportedly centred on the accommodation standards, which are below five-star levels, as well as the twin-sharing room arrangement. "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," Iyer added. The BCCI is expected to send its advance team to Aichi-Nagoya next week to assess the facilities before taking a final call. If it chooses to arrange separate accommodation, it will be responsible for the players' food and ensuring that they reach the competition venue on time. Meanwhile, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led women's team could face a demanding travel schedule, as it may have to leave for Japan a day after the Asia Cup final, provided it reaches the summit clash. "BCCI is taking care of its athletes, and sending an advance team is the right way to assess the facilities before making a decision. We are completely for the well-being of the athletes," Iyer said. The IOA has maintained that it must ensure equal treatment for athletes competing in all 36 disciplines at the Asian Games. While the BCCI evaluates its options, the central focus remains on balancing athletes’ comfort and welfare with the need for equal arrangements across the Indian contingent. "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.