Could the Australia A Players’ Illness Be Due to Infection?
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Synopsis
BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla discusses the health issues faced by Australia A players during their series in Kanpur. He emphasizes that the quality of food served is not to blame, suggesting an infection instead. This incident raises questions about player health management during international series.
Key Takeaways
- Infection likely cause of illness
- Quality food from Hotel Landmark
- Limited hotel options for teams
- BCCI not responsible for IPL arrangements
- Health of players a top priority
Kanpur, Oct 5 (NationPress) BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla provided insights regarding the health issues faced by players from the Australia A squad during their one-day series against India A in Kanpur. He suggested that the players might have contracted a type of infection rather than suffering from any food quality concerns.
It is worth noting that four players, including the captain of the Australia A team, experienced stomach infections, triggering a health alert.
Henry Thornton was hospitalized at Regency Hospital due to complications in his condition. The other three players received treatment and were discharged after standard medical evaluations.
Sources within the team hinted that the illness could be linked to food consumed at the hotel, but neither hospital representatives nor team officials have confirmed this.
In a press briefing in Kanpur, Shukla emphasized that all players are consuming the same meals from one of the top-rated establishments. If the food had been the problem, it would have affected everyone, not just a few.
“If there was a problem with the food, all players, including the Indian team members, would have fallen ill. It seems to be an external infection. They are dining at one of the best hotels, Hotel Landmark, and the food quality is high. Since only a few players have become unwell, it is likely they caught an infection, and we are addressing it.
“We face challenges because there are limited hotel options. We require 300 rooms in a five-star establishment, which is not easy to find. Additionally, there is no international airport in the vicinity that operates continuously. With better arrangements, they could have had an advantage.”
When questioned about why such issues arise only during senior international or unofficial games and not in the Indian Premier League, Shukla explained that the BCCI does not influence these matters during the tournament, as all logistics are handled by the franchises.
“In the IPL, everything hinges on the franchises. They determine the players' accommodations, and it's entirely their decision; the BCCI plays no role in this process. They select their preferred hotel,” Shukla elaborated.
India-A had previously secured a convincing victory in the first unofficial ODI, but Australia-A leveled the series at 1-1 with a straightforward nine-wicket victory in the second ODI.
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Point of View
It’s imperative to approach the situation with an unbiased lens. The health of players is paramount, and while Rajiv Shukla asserts the quality of food is not the issue, the potential for infections highlights the challenges of managing player health during international tours. The BCCI’s role in ensuring safe accommodations and health protocols is crucial for the welfare of athletes.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Australia A players to fall sick?
BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla suggested that the players might have contracted an infection, rather than the food being the issue.
How many players were affected by the illness?
Four players from the Australia A camp experienced stomach infections.
Was the food quality questionable?
Shukla emphasized that the food provided is of high quality from Hotel Landmark, and if it were the issue, all players would have been affected.
What actions were taken for the sick players?
Henry Thornton was admitted to Regency Hospital, while the other three players were treated and released after medical assessments.
Why do such issues not occur in the IPL?
Shukla explained that during the IPL, accommodation decisions are made by the franchises, and the BCCI does not intervene.
