New Delhi: will take on Japan in a one-off men’s T20I to launch the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The one-off match for the Suzuki Cup is scheduled to be played at the Sano International Cricket Ground on September 22. This is the first time India will face Japan in a men’s T20I.
This match will be the first step of Sport 75, an initiative stemming from the agreement reached during a meeting between Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi and The initiative also aims to promote cooperation between the two countries, with India aiming to host the and Paralympic Games in 2036.
‘Significant moment for cricket’
BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that this is a significant moment for cricket, as it takes Team India to new territory, providing an opportunity to promote the sport to a wider audience in Japan and East Asia.
“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,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.
“The BCCI believes that the growth of cricket must extend beyond its traditional territories, and as the world’s largest cricket board, we recognise our responsibility to contribute to that growth. The BCCI will work closely with the JCA to further strengthen cricket in Japan and to build on this relationship in the years ahead,” he added.
Japan will become the 20th team against whom India will play a T20I match. Japan are placed in the 41st position in the men’s T20I ranking, and are also the host of the Asian Games, which will begin later this month.
“To be able to invite the reigning World Champions to the home of cricket in Japan is a landmark moment for our association. 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,” JCA CEO Naoki Miyaji said.
The match will begin at 9:30 AM (IST) on September 22, at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture.