Japan Cricket Board Hits Back At PCB, BCCI For Criticising Asian Games Arrangements

Japan hits back at BCCI, PCB [Source: AFP]The Japan Cricket Association has pushed back against the concerns raised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), as well as the other Asian boards regarding the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Japan.It is worth noting that several Asian cricket boards had previously raised concerns over the accommodation arrangements and the new venue developed by Japan Cricket for the multi-nation T20 event.Japan responds to India and Pakistan boardsJapan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji has pushed back complaints raised by the Asian cricket boards, including the BCCI, the PCB, the SLC as well as the ACB in regards to the arrangements made by Japan for the 2026 Asian Games. While speaking with the PTI, Miyaji defended Japan’s preparedness for the tournament by saying that they only had 17 months to prepare. Moreover, there were no cricket venues available at the Aichi Prefecture, thus prompting the Japan Cricket Association to start from scratch.Also Read- BCCI Blocked From Changing India's T20 Squad for Asian Games 2026Moreover, the CEO also added that Japan Cricket did well in preparing the venue and have ensured that all playing facilities suitable to international players are available.He said - “They only had 17 months to prepare and had to start from scratch as there were no Cricket venues of any standard in Aichi Prefecture. Considering the limited time and resources available, AINAGOC and ACC have worked together to ensure that the playing facilities are suitable.”Japan backs playing conditions for Asian Games 2026Naoki Alex Miyaji also backed the playing conditions for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, in which they received much assistance from the SLC. He said “It will be a full-size ground with turf and hybrid pitches prepared by the best curators which Sri Lanka Cricket should be credited for providing. There are limits on what they can do within these tight limits, but from what I have seen, the playing surface and field will be the best seen in Cricket’s inclusion in the Asian Games.”Why did India and Pakistan raise complaints against Japan?The Nisshin Cricket Ground at Korogi Sports Park in Aichi Prefecture was completed only in March earlier this year, having been converted from a baseball ground. Since then, several Asian boards like the BCCI, the PCB, the BCB and the ACB have raised concerns over the relatively new pitches to be used in the tournament. According to reports, the boards also complained about certain player facilities and hotel arrangements made by the Japan board. The Indian, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan boards were among those involved in discussions over the arrangements made by Japan Cricket. Moreover, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is also expected to send its representatives to Japan in a bid to inspect the facilities and arrangements made for the 2026 Asian Games. Asian Games 2026 schedule revealedA few weeks ago, the entire schedule of the 2026 Asian Games T20 for both, men and women’s events were unveiled. The women’s competition will begin from September 17 onwards with two quarter-finals fixtures. A couple of days after the conclusion of the women’s final, the Men’s segment will commence from September 24 onwards with the qualifiers. Also Read- When Was The Last Time Before England Pakistan Team Underwent A Massive Change?