BCCI issues clarification after Australian ‘A’ players suffer food poisoning in Kanpur

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has downplayed reports of food poisoning among Australian ‘A’ players in Kanpur, saying the illness likely stemmed from an external infection rather than food served at the team hotel.

The incident took place ahead of the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A, when four Australian players fell ill. Fast bowler Henry Thornton was hospitalised at Regency Hospital after his condition deteriorated but has since recovered.

Concerns were raised over the quality of food and accommodation provided to the visiting players, but Shukla dismissed the speculation, stressing that the meals were from a reputed source.

“If there was an issue with the hotel food, Indian players would have also fallen sick. Everyone is eating the same food from one of the top hotels, Hotel Landmark,” Shukla told reporters. “It seems they may have caught an infection from somewhere else. We’re handling the matter, but there are limited hotel options in Kanpur.”

Addressing comparisons with the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shukla clarified that the situation is different because IPL franchises manage their own logistics, including accommodation and catering, while the BCCI only oversees the broader tournament operations.

“In the IPL, each franchise makes its own arrangements for players and staff. The BCCI doesn’t interfere in those decisions,” he explained.

Despite the off-field concerns, India A sealed the series in style, winning the third and final unofficial ODI by two wickets on Sunday, October 5. Opener Prabhsimran Singh smashed a blistering 68-ball 102, while captain Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag contributed fluent fifties to guide the hosts to victory over Australia A.