Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Indians complain of tough life in Brisbane hotel, with minimal services

India and Australia would face off in the final Test, in Brisbane, from Wednesday. However, the Indians are reportedly unhappy with Brisbane's arrangements and face a tough life, with minimal services at the hotel, owing to strict COVID measures in Queensland.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21: Indians complain of tough life in Brisbane hotel, with minimal services-ayh
Author
Brisbane QLD, First Published Jan 13, 2021, 5:41 PM IST

Team India has reached Brisbane for the fourth and final Test to be played from Friday, to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as the series is locked at 1-1. However, the Indians are supposedly not happy with the arrangements made at the Brisbane hotel.

According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, the Indians have been barred from using the swimming pool at the hotel, while no room service or housekeeping would be provided. "There is a gym, a basic one. No pool, no room service, no housekeeping," said a Team India official, who says that the Indians are confined to a DIY life in Brisbane.

The Indians were initially reluctant to travel to Brisbane after Queensland had introduced strict COVID norms, following a new series of outbreaks in its neighbouring state, New South Wales. Furthermore, since India played their last Test in Sydney, it was asked to undergo a strict 15-day quarantine. Nonetheless, following a lengthy discussion by Cricket Australia (CA), Brisbane retained its right to host, while India was barred from the 15-day quarantine. Although the team was informed that its movement would be limited to the hotel itself, no one was acquainted of the DIY lifestyle.

ALSO READ: Justin Langer blames IPL for piling injury list

The report further adds that in-house food or beverage options were not available at the hotel either, while an external contractor was hired to cater food to the Indians. However, since there is no customisation choice, the Indians will have to order via food delivery apps for particular dishes.

As for the DIY lifestyle, CA may have decided to use minimum resources, as the Indians want to leave for India immediately following the Test's conclusion. Nevertheless, some Indians are certainly not happy with the arrangements, as a few are also travelling with their families.

The ban on using the swimming pool is also a setback for players like Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah. They were supposed to use it as a part of their rehabilitation from their respective injuries. Nonetheless, it has seemingly been done to contain the possibility of community spread.

Follow Us:
Download App:
  • android
  • ios