KEY TAKEAWAYS:
-
India will play a historic one-off T20I against Japan on September 22 to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties.
-
The match, played under the Suzuki Cup banner, will be the first-ever international cricket meeting between the two nations.
-
The fixture also serves as India’s acclimatisation opportunity before the Asian Games, where both teams compete from September 24.
India vs Japan T20I: Fans react as BCCI announces historic Suzuki Cup match in Sano ahead of Asian Games in Nagoya
India will lock horns with Japan for the very first time in international cricket, with a one-off T20I set for September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture.
Announced jointly on Friday by the Japan Cricket Association and the BCCI, the match doubles up as the opening event for celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
It’ll be played under the Suzuki Cup banner, and crucially, this will mark the first time these two nations have ever squared off in any format of the sport.
With India eyeing a bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this fixture kicks off what’s being called “Sport 75”. It is an initiative born out of talks between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at deepening sporting ties and exchange programmes between the two countries.
Devajit Saikia, the BCCI secretary, said, “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.
“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 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.”
Naoki Miyaji, the CEO of Japan Cricket Association, further added, “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.”
What did the fans say about the India vs Japan T20I?
The fans lauded the BCCI for agreeing to play against Japan and lend their support to the associate nation.
India go into the contest as the world’s No. 1 side and reigning T20 World Cup champions, having lifted the trophy three times in total. Japan, meanwhile, sit way down at 41st in the ICC’s men’s T20I rankings.
Journalist @coynejames wrote: “India to play Japan in a men’s T20I for the Suzuki Cup at Sano on September 22, prior to the Asian Games cricket tournament. Say what you like about the BCCI (and I will continue to) but India now seem more prepared than England and Australia to play ‘smaller’ cricketing nations.”
@TimothyAbraham of BBC seconded and wrote: “Credit to BCCI for Japan v India T20 international – 40 places between them in rankings, but if cricket is to truly globalise it needs these gestures. Meanwhile, England’s men have never played Scotland in a T20 outside of WCs. Last ODI was 2018. ECB should do more for Europe.”
@trspodcastt wrote: “Credits where due to BCCI. They have now toured to Zimbabwe, Ireland frequently. Agreed to play Afghanistan. They are doing good to make Cricket a global sport. England & Australia have to start touring places like Zimbabwe, Ireland , Scotland Afghanistan.”
@venkatatweets further added: “Really good on the BCCI to play Japan before the Asian Games. Encourages others to play the Associates as well. South Africa is doing its part in Africa. England hopefully wakes up and accepts the Euro Cup. Would be nice to have inter-continental events in place of bilaterals.”
@LoyalSachinFan wrote: “The way BCCI supports Associate cricket nations deserves to be appreciated. Zimbabwe, Ireland, Afghanistan and now a match against Japan. BCCI is doing everything it can to make cricket a truly global sport.”
When is the India vs Japan T20I set to take place?
The India vs Japan T20I in the Suzuki Cup is set to take place on September 22.
Where will the India vs Japan T20I be hosted?
The India vs Japan T20I will be hosted at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture.
What is the start time of the India vs Japan T20I match?
The India vs Japan T20I will start at 1:00 PM Japan time, which translates to 9:30 AM IST.
For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary, and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
