NEW DELHI: Days before launching their campaign at the continental multi-sport extravaganza, the Shreyas Iyer-led Indian men's cricket team has hit a bumpy road. The squad, scheduled to fly out of New Delhi for Aichi-Nagoya in the early hours of Sunday, encountered last-minute logistical setbacks involving official apparel sizes and player accommodation.

According to reports, communications escalated between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and JSW Inspire—the official kit supplier for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)—after several players found their designated outfits did not fit properly.

An IOA source addressed the clothing glitch, noting that the logistical overlap stemmed from the requirement of two separate playing strips. Team India is set to sport their regular national kit for an upcoming one-off T20 international against hosts Japan on September 22, before transitioning to the specialized official Asian Games jersey for the tournament's main bracket, which starts with the quarter-finals on September 28.

"There was a sizing issue in kits of cricketers; the majority of them have been rectified. There are a few left, and they will be delivered to the team shortly," an IOA official stated, downplaying the dispute.

This apparel trouble echoes similar setbacks faced by other members of the broader Indian contingent. Notably, star shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor was forced to miss out on carrying the flag at the opening ceremony due to delayed delivery of his official Games apparel at his training base.

BCCI Steps In Over Accommodation Concerns

Apart from the uniform hiccups, the BCCI took proactive measures regarding the squad's living arrangements in Nagoya. Citing cramped rooms initially allotted by event organizers that lacked adequate space to safely store bulky cricket kit bags, the board decided to secure independent hotel accommodations for the men's team. Meanwhile, the Indian women's cricket team—who are already on-site and thriving in their title defense after overpowering Japan and securing a semi-final berth—have remained in rooms organized through the IOA.

With the clothing adjustments nearing completion and independent lodging sorted, the Indian men's team is eager to move past the administrative friction. They look to replicate the historic gold-medal success achieved during the 2023 edition when their campaign kicks off next week.