Japan lock in historic men’s T20I match with India in Sano

Japan are set to host reigning ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions India for the first-ever T20I contest between the two sides on September 22.

The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed in a statement that the two men’s teams will play on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in the Tochigi Prefecture, two hours north of Tokyo.

The teams will compete for the Suzuki Cup, and serve as a launch of celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of India-Japan Diplomatic Relations.

The match is the first step of “Sport 75”, an initiative that stems from an agreement reached during a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to promote human exchanges and cooperation between India and Japan in the field of sports, taking note of India’s ambition to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.

“To be able to invite the reigning World Champions to the home of cricket in Japan is a landmark moment for our association,” JCA CEO Naoki Miyaji said in a statement.

“We thank the BCCI for working with us towards this goal and greatly look forward to welcoming the passion of Indian cricket fans, and we actively encourage any local Japanese people curious about cricket to come and cheer on our team in what will be a truly memorable occasion.”

BCCI Honorary Secretary, Mr Devajit Saikia, called it a “significant moment for cricket”.

“The BCCI is delighted to be part of this historic occasion as the Indian and Japanese men’s teams come together for a special T20 International in Japan,” Saikia began.

“India and Japan share a strong and longstanding relationship and friendship, and we are pleased that cricket will be part of the celebrations marking 75 years of bilateral relations between the two countries, and we thank the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) for its efforts in making this fixture possible.”

The match is also valuable hit-out for both teams ahead of the Asian Games in Nagoya, which begins on September 24.

The Sano International Cricket Ground will be transformed for the event, from a venue usually holding around 500 to potentially hosting up to 2000 fans.

Ticket and broadcast details are still to be advised.

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