Asian cricket series: Japan Cricket CEO says teams can make their own arrangements

Representative Image: Japan Cricket Team (Pic credit: JCA) NEW DELHI: With concerns about accommodation and other logistical arrangements looming ahead of cricket’s return to the Asian Games, Japan Cricket Association (JCA) chief executive officer Naoki Alex Miyaji sought to allay concerns, saying participating teams have been offered hotel accommodation but can make their own arrangements.At a recent meeting of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), leading cricket nations reportedly raised concerns about the accommodation arrangements, with the designated hotel located about 20 km from the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture, where the cricket matches will be held.The Asian Games begin on September 17.

Japan Cricket CEO clarifies accommodation conditions

Miyaji emphasized that the JCA plays a limited role in organizing the event.“The Asian Games is organized by the Aichi-Nagoya Games Organizing Committee (AINAGOC) in collaboration with the ACC under the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA),” Miyaji told PTI.“The JCA has provided support in some areas but is not directly involved, so I am not able to directly answer all your questions. I can say that all parties are working hard to ensure the success of cricket at the Asian Games.”“I can also assure you that ACC has been discussing accommodation options with AINAGOC for a long time. Hotel accommodation is being offered to participating cricket teams,” he said.Miyaji also pointed out that cricket is not the only sport facing logistical constraints at the Games.“Many other sports are housed in much more limited facilities such as cruise ships or container hotels. Teams can provide their own accommodation if they choose,” he said.

“Toilets will be available in the players area”

Miyaji also sought to allay concerns over reports that team washrooms could be located at least half a kilometer from the playing arena.“Please note that toilets will be available in the players’ area. There are both temporary and permanent facilities at the venue. Ground facilities are temporary, but AINAGOC has been working very closely with the ACC for over a year to ensure that the best facilities are provided within the limited time frame and facility constraints,” Miyaji said.He also expressed his concerns about the provisional dressing rooms being prepared for the tournament.“Despite being temporary, the facilities will provide the most comfortable space possible for the players and officials. There are also permanent facilities around the pitch that will be available to the players,” he said.

Korogi Sports Park built from scratch

Miyaji explained that the organizers had only 17 months to prepare the venue, which had to be developed from scratch because Aichi Prefecture did not have an established cricket facility.“They only had 17 months to prepare and had to start from scratch as there were no cricket pitches of any standard in Aichi Prefecture. Given the limited time and available resources, AINAGOC and ACC worked together to ensure the playing facilities were suitable,” he said.Sri Lanka Cricket has also provided curators to work on turf and hybrid pitches.“It will be a full size pitch with turf and hybrid pitches prepared by the best curators, which Sri Lanka Cricket should be commended for providing,” Miyaji said.“There are limits to what they can do within these strict limits, but from what I’ve seen, the pitch and the field will be best seen for cricket’s inclusion in the Asian Games.”The JCA, meanwhile, has largely focused on building local interest in the sport.“We have taken cricket to many schools and shopping malls, which has been met with great enthusiasm. With the full support of the city of Nisshin, we are confident that the local community will be 100% behind the Asian Games.”Miyaji remained confident that cricket will make a strong impression when the continental event is held in Japan.“Cricket will be one of the biggest sports at the Asian Games. It will also be the first time that Asia’s top cricket teams will play in Japan,” he added.