Japan Cricket Association Grants Flexibility in Accommodation for Asian Games Cricket Teams

The Japan Cricket Association has announced that teams participating in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan may choose to arrange their own accommodation, addressing earlier concerns about available lodging options.

ACC CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji stated that the organization has been working with AINAGOC [Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee] to finalize accommodation plans. While cricket teams will be offered hotel stays, the association emphasized that many other sports are facing more constrained conditions, such as cruise ship or container-based housing.

“Teams are free to arrange their own accommodation if they choose to do so,” Miyaji explained to PTI, highlighting the association’s effort to enhance participant experience.

He also detailed the logistical preparations for players, noting that restroom facilities will be accessible within the dedicated player zones at the venue. Both temporary and permanent structures are in place to support the athletes’ needs.

According to Miyaji, while the dressing rooms on-site are temporary, they have been designed to maximize comfort. Permanent facilities nearby will also remain available to participants throughout the event.

The cricket competitions are scheduled to take place at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin during September and October. This venue previously hosted the Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier earlier this year.

“They had only 17 months to prepare the ground and had to start from scratch, as there were no existing cricket venues in Aichi Prefecture,” Miyaji said. “Despite these constraints, AINAGOC and the ACC have collaborated to ensure that the playing facilities meet required standards.”

He praised the quality of the playing surface, noting that it will feature a full-sized pitch with turf and hybrid wickets maintained by top-tier ground staff, aided by expertise from Sri Lanka Cricket. “From what I’ve seen, this will be the best cricket facility ever seen at an Asian Games,” Miyaji remarked.

The men’s tournament is set to run from September 24 to October 3, with the women’s competition taking place from September 17 to 22.

Participants in the men’s competition include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Oman, representing both full members and qualifiers.

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