Cricket is set to become a new bridge between India and Japan as the two teams gear up for a historic face-off in men's T20I later this month. India will take on Japan in a one-off T20I match for the Suzuki Cup on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture in Japan.
The match will be the first-ever men's T20I between the two teams and will serve as part of the opening celebrations for 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. The match will also be crucial as it will help India get acclimatised to conditions in Japan ahead of the Asian Games 2026.
“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,” BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said.
Japan, who currently sit 41st in the men's T20I rankings, will have the opportunity to play one of the most competitive teams on home soil.