BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has downplayed concerns over food quality after four Australia A cricketers reportedly fell ill in Kanpur, where the team is playing a 50-over series against India A.

Fast bowler Henry Thornton was hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning, sparking questions over player safety and hospitality standards.

“If there had been an issue with the food, all players, including the Indian team, would have fallen sick,” Shukla told reporters.

“They are being served meals from one of the finest hotels, Hotel Landmark. The food is excellent and everyone is eating the same.”

He added that the illness might have been caused by an unrelated infection. “Since only a few players have fallen ill, idhar-udhar se koi infection aa gaya hoga (they may have caught an infection from somewhere). We are handling it,” he said.

Shukla also pointed out logistical challenges faced by the organisers, citing a shortage of five-star hotels and the absence of a 24-hour international airport in the region.

Meanwhile, India A sealed the three-match series 2–1 with a thrilling two-wicket win in the final unofficial ODI at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium on Sunday.

Opener Prabhsimran Singh led the chase with a blazing 68-ball 102, while skipper Shreyas Iyer and Riyan Parag added fluent half-centuries.

Australia A had earlier posted 316 in 49.1 overs, with skipper Jack Edwards (89) and Liam Scott (73) anchoring the innings. Despite a late collapse, India A chased down the target, bouncing back after losing five wickets for just 39 runs.