As the Indian men's cricket team prepares to board a flight from New Delhi to Japan on Sunday morning, their journey to the Asian Games has been anything but smooth. Long before they reach the pitch, the players have dealt with a number of logistical snags, including jersey sizing issues and unusual accommodations.

While the team is aiming for gold in Aichi-Nagoya, the final days before the journey have seen the players face a number of administrative challenges that come with multi-sport continental events.

India's Jersey Problem and Double Kit Drama

The biggest headache before the team's departure was the team's attire. As per news reports, there have been 'hectic consultations' between the BCCI and JSW Inspire, the kit supplier appointed by the Indian Olympic Association, over the sizes of the players' jerseys for the Asian Games.

While most of the problems have been sorted out, some players are yet to receive their corrected kits. Besides the sizing issue, it has come out that the Indian team will have to carry two sets of jerseys.

This is because they will play a T20I match against Japan on September 22, which will be in their own kit. However, when the main event starts on September 28, they will have to wear the IOA-sanctioned jerseys.

In addition to the jersey issue, the BCCI has also taken charge of arranging separate accommodation for the players in Nagoya.

This is because some of the Indian contingent members had complained about the cramped conditions they had to stay in during their previous visit. It has been reported that the initial allocation of rooms by the Asian Games organizers was inadequate for the cricket team, as the hotel could barely accommodate the kit bag storage.

The board decided to take charge of booking alternative private hotel rooms, as Nagoya does not have enough large hotels for big sporting events.

Meanwhile, the Indian women's team has stayed in the allocated village without any issues.

The Double Set Jersey and the Unorthodox Village

The lodging issues and double set jerseys show just how different the Aichi-Nagoya Games are.

Instead of a traditional Games village, the organizers have opted to use a mixture of hotels, container accommodations, and even cruise ships. It is still uncertain what kind of pitches the Japanese will present for the games, apart from the test match venue.

As the Indian men's team packs their belongings on Sunday morning, the problems they face will be left outside the stadium. As soon as the first ball is bowled by the bowler against Japan, the exciting game will begin.