BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has also responded to claims that four Australian players contracted food poisoning on an unofficial three match ODI series between the Australian and India A in Kanpur. He explained that the food that was served to them in the tour could not have caused the illness.
Shukla clarified that the food served to the players was of a reputable hotel and in case of any issue with the food; the Indian players would have fallen ill too but this was not the case. Henry Thornton was an Australian pacer who was reportedly hospitalised because of illness.
“If there had been an issue with the food, all players, including the Indian players, would have fallen sick. It must have been something else. They are being fed food from one of the finest hotels, Hotel Landmark; the food is good, and everyone is eating the same. Since a few players have fallen ill. Idhar udhar se koi infection aa gaya hoga (They may have contracted an infection), and we are handling it,” said Shukla as quoted by Times of India.
Shukla went on to discuss the logistical challenges encountered during the series, highlighting the scarcity of multiple five-star hotels in Kanpur.
“The issue arises because there aren’t many hotels. We need 300 rooms in a five-star hotel, and that’s not available. There is no international airport in the area that operates 24/7. Had better arrangements been in place, they would have gained an advantage.”
Rajeev Shukla
India A clinched the series 2-1 with a thrilling two-wicket win over Australia A in the final unofficial ODI at Kanpur. Batting first, Australia A posted 316 in 49.1 overs, thanks to Jack Edwards’ quick 89 and solid contributions from Liam Scott and Cooper Connolly. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each to keep the visitors in check.
In pursuit of 317, India A started out on a blazing 102 superbly hit by Prabhsimran Singh with only 62 balls. Also important half-centuries were made by Riyan Parag and Shreyas Iyer to see the team home in 46 overs. Even after Tanveer Sangha had taken four wickets, Australia A was not able to prevent India A in locking the series.
