BCCI Breaks Silence On Team India's Asian Games Accommodation Controversy

The Indian cricketers competing at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will stay at the designated accommodation arranged by the Organising Committee though they are not the five-star hotels they usually get on foreign tours, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said on Tuesday. Shukla said the issue on the accommodation of the hotels for the cricketers had arisen due to the scarcity of top-rated hotels in Nagoya. He, however, said accommodation of the cricketers was not a big issue and the BCCI and the players are satisfied with the arrangement.

"Whatever they (organisers) are providing, we are staying there and we are keeping a watch what kind of accommodation is being given so that our players are comfortable. Definitely those are not of five-star but a good accommodation," Shukla said at the send-off ceremony of the Indian contingent .

"Whatever has been offered to our cricketers that accommodation we have got the photographs all the way and the videos also of that, so I think it's comfortable. They (cricketers) will be going and staying there because otherwise the options were to make them stay in Osaka or Tokyo that's far away." Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha also said that the problem has been sorted out but there still remains some lack of clarity over who booked the rooms for the cricketers.

"No problem, I think. We have already booked (the hotels). For every player, we cannot book hotel rooms because the accommodation is (not) like (Athletes') Village. They (organisers) are providing a ship and small villas also," Usha told PTI.

"We also booked the hotel rooms for the players (other athletes). And the cricketers, BCCI, also have booked the hotel for them. Whatever the best hotel is there in Nagoya or Japan, whatever it is, the best one, the cricketers will get it, just like others (other athletes) get." Shukla said that the cricketers will not be staying at the twin-sharing rooms but in separate ones. The team will leave for Tokyo on September 20 and play a historic T20 against Japan on September 22. India open their Asian Games campaign on September 28.

"The problem was that Nagoya hasn't got many hotels. Tokyo is one and a half hour by bullet train, so is Osaka. But in the Asian Games, all the participants are like families, it doesn't look nice that some teams stay in Tokyo and some in Osaka so it has been decided that our players will live at hotel accommodation there (at Nagoya)." He sought to downplay the accommodation issue, saying the the main issue was the condition of the ground, wickets and dressing rooms.

"The big issue big issue was the ground, wicket and dressing rooms. They (organisers) have addressed those things. Asian Cricket Council's team had gone there and now they (ACC team) are satisfied with the ground, the wickets and dressing rooms, everything is fine." Asked who has arranged the accommodation of the cricketers, Shukla said, "That's being organized by Indian Olympic Association, Asian Games Organising Committee and Japan Cricket Association.

"At the ACC meeting in Bangkok, which I had also participated, 52 representatives from various countries were there. We had a full presentation by Japanese representative and he has assured us that all the arrangements will be made keeping in mind the comfort of the players. They have provided the hotels. If there are gaps or loopholes we will address it." He, however, refused to comment on the details of the hotels the players will stay.

"I haven't got hotels detail, so I cannot comment on that but definitely comfortable accommodation will be provided." India are the defending champions in both the men's and women's competition in the last Asian Games in China.

"India will definitely do well there. We also have a match on September 22 (India vs Japan for Suzuki Cup). It will be the first match in Japan. It's being organized very well as far as Asian Games are concerned. We sending our B team is complete rumour. Or full contingent is going with the most talented players and I hope that we'll definitely win."

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"Look At Yourself": Ex-Pak Captain Continues Blame Game, Slams PCB Selector

Former captain Azhar Ali has expressed deep dismay over the ongoing crisis in Pakistan cricket following the team making wholesale changes to its squad on the ongoing Test tour of England, adding that the side has become consistent in the most negative way. Azhar's scathing assessment comes in the wake of severe fallout after heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's, which saw head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul being relieved of their duties and seven players sent home. The turmoil has drawn widespread criticism, with Shahid Afridi calling it ‘the most shocking decision ever' and Misbah-ul-Haq resigning as a selector in protest.

"People used to say you could expect anything from Pakistan – that any team could turn up on any given day and either be 46 all out or win from nowhere. But we don't even do that inconsistency any more. We've become totally consistent – in the most negative way.

“Cricket in Pakistan needs proper care and a vision that gives hope to a nation on the brink of losing their appetite. If we don't pull our socks up, we won't be able to bring people back. You cannot lose hope but the signs are not good," Azhar was quoted as saying by The Guardian on Monday.

Azhar, who played 97 Tests, specifically called out High Performance Director and senior selector Aaqib Javed for trying to distance himself from the squad's poor performances. "We have had bad decisions like these for three years now. He should take responsibility for performances. His judgment should be questioned. I listened to his interview this week and he was trying to put the blame on Sarfaraz and Babar.

“He appointed them just a few months earlier! That was enough for me to judge someone. Every decision he makes backfires and he then says: ‘It's not me.' Look at yourself first. And if you cannot control this team, if you cannot make a difference to Pakistan cricket, then step away."

Azhar also sympathised with captain Azam, who has struggled for making runs in recent years and leading the side with an unstable team management. "It is probably the worst time to captain Pakistan right now,. He has to consider his options too, I believe. Every player goes through periods of low scores but as a nation we just kept expecting him to deliver and criticism followed.

“It has played on his mind and he has doubted himself, while lacking any internal support. I don't think he is as mentally strong as Misbah or, say, Younis Khan. Misbah was not as talented as Babar but he was far tougher. Younis faced criticism but never lost his targets. Everyone is different though. We have to realise that and create an environment where he can flourish, not be pulled back."

Azhar, who worked as Pakistan's head of youth development before stepping down last year, concluded by saying that any turnaround of the side would require patience and structured administrative backing.

"We need a settled structure and one where people are hired and backed for three-to-four years. Right now the under-19s, for example, are leaderless. But that role is arguably more important than the head coach of the senior side. We know where this Test team is currently and have to accept that.

“But major work done by competent people in the pathway – that is how we come back. It's not about quick fixes. We cannot change in the space of a year. That's impossible. But four to five? I believe the talent is there to make it happen."

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I Miss My Long Hair': Haaland Opens Up On New Look, But Reveals Positive

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland admitted he misses his long hair but said he felt it was time for a change after showing off a new short haircut this season. Haaland spoke about his new look after scoring the winning goal in City's 1-0 Premier League victory over Coventry City, a win that helped his side maintain their unbeaten streak in the ongoing season. The Norway international has been sporting a much shorter hairstyle since the start of the season. Asked about the change, Haaland said he was enjoying the new look, though he missed his trademark long hair.

“It's much easier. I think it was time for a change. I like it. Of course, I miss my long hair, but it was time for a change and, so far, I've enjoyed it. It will grow back and be long again, hopefully,” Haaland told ESPN Brazil as quoted by Goal.com.

The striker also looked back on Norway's memorable World Cup victory over Brazil, in which he scored twice. Haaland said the win was especially meaningful for Norway because of the history between the two teams.

“It was a special game for Norway, because the last time we played in the World Cup we also played against Brazil, and Norway is the only team Brazil has never beaten. So it was special,” he said.

“Of course it was a special game. We won; it was amazing. It was the best match we've played in our history because of the way we controlled the game. It's special to play against a great nation, the country of football, where everyone is passionate about the sport. It was special; it's a great memory, and, once again, sorry. Sorry for the defeat, but that's football,” he added.

Haaland then turned his attention to Manchester City's revamped squad and backed the club's new signings to settle quickly.

City have brought in several players over the summer as they look to build a strong squad for the new season. Haaland believes players such as Enzo Fernandez and Elliot Anderson already understand the demands of top-level football.

“Time will tell. We have a lot of new players who know the level. Enzo Fernandez knows what it takes to win titles, was already playing in the Premier League, and slotted straight into the team,” he said.

“The same with Elliot Anderson. He played in the Premier League for a long time and has played for the England national team, so he knows what it's like to play for a big club,” Haaland added.

City will now face a busy period, with European action, followed by a Manchester derby and a Carabao Cup fixture against Norwich City.

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Duleep Trophy Final: Ishan Kishan Slams Superb 100, Misery For Tilak And Co.

Duleep Trophy Final Highlights, East Zone vs South Zone: East Zone captain Ishan Kishan led the way with a fabulous hundred against Tilak Varma-led South Zone on Day 1 of the Duleep Trophy 2026 final, as they ended on 385/4 in 79 overs at Stumps. Ishan Kishan (111*) and Kumar Kushagra (63*) remained unbeaten at the end. Earlier in the day, Earlier in the day, 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi slammed a quickfire 44. His opening partner Abhimanyu Easwaran made 72, and No. 3 batter Shikhar Mohan scored 85. For South Zone, experienced left-arm seamer Chama Milind picked up two wickets, but pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj went wicketless. (Scorecard) (Catch Ball By Ball Updates Here)

Here are the Highlights from East Zone vs South Zone Duleep Trophy 2026 Final Day 1:

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