BCCI intervenes after Team India denied basic facilities in Brisbane hotel

The Indian cricket team have complained bitterly about ‘prison-like’ conditions at their four-star hotel in Brisbane, where they can’t access the gym, pool or room service, and must stay locked down on a single floor. Members of the team are reportedly bothered by the fact that despite the hotel being empty, they have to be confined to their rooms while not training and will not be permitted to use any of the hotel amenities.

Players were furious when they arrived at the Sofitel in Brisbane on Tuesday ahead of the final Test match at the Gabba to find they had to clean their own toilets and make up their own rooms, and were only given food from a local Indian restaurant. To make matters worse, they say they are the only people staying in the hotel. The Test was only confirmed to be going ahead on Sunday – but after just one night in the Sofitel, players claimed it was like ‘prison for all practical purposes’. Players were also angry that the gym and pool were off limits and none of the restaurants or cafes in the hotel were open. The source said the situation was ‘pathetic’ because no other guests were staying in the hotel. It is learnt that BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah and CEO Hemang Amin have all got in touch with their Cricket Australia counterparts after complaints reached them and have been assured that the Indian contingent will be made to feel comfortable from here on.