Source TOI
HANGZHOU — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has arranged private off-site accommodation for the Indian men’s cricket team for the ongoing Asian Games, while the Indian women’s cricket contingent continues to stay inside the official Games Village facilities.
The contrast in housing arrangements comes as both squads represent India in the continental multisport event, marking the country’s historic return to Asian Games cricket.
Logistics and Team Timelines
Officials cited scheduling overlaps and squad requirements as key factors behind the split arrangements:
Men’s Team: Secured a high-end luxury hotel near the Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field to optimize travel times, maintain strict training routines, and manage security protocols.
Women’s Team: Based directly in the central Athletes’ Village alongside the wider Indian contingent, allowing them to experience the communal environment typical of multisport Games.
Sources familiar with the development noted that the women’s competition concluded earlier in the tournament schedule, whereas the men’s fixtures commenced later. The board opted for external lodging for the men’s squad to accommodate travel demands, tight match schedules, and specific logistical needs during the knockout phases.
Village Life vs. Private Solitude
Staying in the Athletes’ Village is customary for participating nations to foster camaraderie among athletes across diverse sporting disciplines. While the women’s team mingled with fellow Indian medalists from shooting, rowing, and track events during their campaign, the men’s team will operate largely out of their secluded hotel base.
The arrangement has sparked discussion among fans and sporting circles regarding equal treatment across national squads. However, team officials maintained that the setup was determined by availability, operational efficiency, and standard touring comfort rather than preference.
