Asian Games 2026: ACC Mulls Japan Visit As Test-Playing Nations Express Displeasure Over Hotel, Travel Concerns

New Delhi, Aug 27: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is likely to send a delegation to Japan to assess logistical arrangements for cricket teams at the Asian Games, after representatives of major Test-playing nations raised concerns over accommodation and travel during an ACC meeting.

The issue was discussed in the presence of Japan Cricket CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji, who informed the meeting that five-star hotels in the vicinity of the cricket venues had already been booked for the Asian Games period. As a result, a hotel located more than 20 kilometres from the stadium had to be booked for the teams.

Asian Games 2026: Test Playing Nations Unhappy With Logistics

"The Japan Cricket representative told us that all five-star hotels in the vicinity of the cricket stadium are booked. Hence they were forced to book a hotel which is more than 20 kilometres away. Most of the representatives of Test-playing nations were not happy that there is so much travelling involved," a senior official of an Associate Nation told PTI.

Cricket will be played in Aichi from September 17 to October 3, with all the major Test-playing Asian nations understood to be sending their first-choice teams for the continental multi-sport event.

The concerns are therefore more pronounced for the Test nations, which are expected to bring some of their biggest stars to Japan. The ACC is understood to be considering taking up the matter with senior officials of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) as it seeks solutions to the logistical challenges.

The presence of high-profile players from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka has also brought greater focus on security and accommodation arrangements. Top Indian cricketers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, amongst others are going to participate in the competition.

When asked about the proposed delegation, the senior official said it would comprise mostly representatives from the Test-playing nations.

"It is a more concern for Test nations with stars. Security and other stuff. For us, if they get it, we know we will also be accorded same hospitality," the official said.

However, the ACC's proposed recce could face an immediate challenge: accommodation capacity around the cricket venues is already understood to be stretched for the Asiad dates.

That raises the question of what options will actually be available to the delegation if nearby five-star hotels are already fully booked. While the visit could help assess the quality of the existing arrangements and explore alternatives, the ACC may ultimately have to look beyond hotel availability and examine transportation, travel times and security protocols for participating teams.

With cricket's biggest Asian nations preparing to send their first teams, resolving those concerns will be important to ensuring a smooth return for the sport at the Asian Games.

The Aichi Games will provide a major platform for Asian cricket, but the logistical arrangements in Japan could prove to be an early test for organisers and the ACC.

(With PTI Inputs)