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"No issue with food": BCCI VP Rajiv Shukla blames AUS-A players for catching infection

Soumyajit Dutta

Rajiv Shukla on food infection [Source: @Loyalsachfan10/X.com]Rajiv Shukla on food infection [Source: @Loyalsachfan10/X.com]

In a recent and major development, BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla issued a statement regarding the health scare that hit the Australia A camp during their one-day series against India A in Kanpur. 

Shukla revealed that several players from the Australian side might have caught an infection, but gave a clean chit to the food, clarifying that there were no issues with its quality. It is to be noted that four players, including the captain, were infected with stomach infections during the tour. 

Shukla defends hotel food, blames infection

Notably, Henry Thornton, one of the players, was admitted to Regency Hospital after his condition worsened, while the remaining three were treated and released following medical check-ups.

While Shukla maintained that there was no compromise in the food quality, team sources hinted that the illness might be linked to the meals served at the hotel. He further explained to reporters that all players were being served the same food from one of the finest restaurants in the city and that if there had been an issue, the entire squad would have been affected.

“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, the food is good, and everyone is eating the same. Since a few players have fallen ill, they may have contracted an infection, and we are handling it," Shukla told reporters.

Better arrangement could have prevented infection?

This incident, however, raises a valid question. In leagues like the IPL, where numerous international players travel to India and receive hospitality from top restaurants, why have such health issues never arisen? Responding to this, Shukla clarified that all hospitality and food arrangements for IPL players are managed by the franchises, not by the BCCI.

“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,” Shukla added.

Despite the brief setback, India A went on to win the first unofficial ODI, while Australia A bounced back strongly with a dominant nine-wicket victory in the second, leaving the series level at 1-1.