Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for India (Source: AFP Photos)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced a historic T20I match between India and Japan.
The BCCI had a mutual agreement with the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) to have the game, which will take place at Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture on Tuesday, September 22.
The India vs Japan T20I match will be played for The Suzuki Cup. The BCCI, in a statement, confirmed that it will be played “to launch the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of India-Japan Diplomatic Relations.”
BCCI Secretary Backs Stronger India-Japan Ties
Devajit Saikia, BCCI secretary, highlighted how India vs Japan T20I match could bring larger audience to East Asia region.
Besides, Saikia assured that they have high expectations to build a strong relationship between the BCCI and JCA in order to help Japan cricket to grow further.
“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. This is a significant moment for cricket, as it takes the Indian team to new territory and provides an opportunity to introduce the sport to a wider audience in Japan and East Asia," 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."
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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.
Who Are Expected To Play For India Against Japan?
The India, led by Shreyas Iyer, announced a strong squad for Asian Games 2026, which will be held in Japan. The tournament, as confirmed before, will take place between September 24, with the final to be slated for October 3.
As India vs Japan T20I match to be happening just before Asian Games 2026, it is expected that almost all India regulars, including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson, among others.
Practically, the India vs Japan match would be a warm-up fixture for Shreyas Iyer and his boys before they head into Asian Games 2026.
Will Japan Play Asian Games 2026?
Asian Games 2026 is a 10-team competition, with India being the defending champions. Since 2010, this will be the fourth time in five editions that cricket has been included in the competition, world’s second-largest multi-sport event after Olympics.
Japan will play alongside India in Asian Games 2026. They, Afghanistan, and Nepal are pooled into Group A, while Hong Kong, Malaysia and Oman are placed in Group B.
Meanwhile, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh will directly play the quarter-finals. Two top teams from each group will join them there.
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