India and Japan to Play First Ever International Cricket Match

Ratopati
September 05, 2026

Kathmandu. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, the first international match between the men’s cricket teams of the two countries will be held. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a single T20 international match between India and Japan will be held on September 22 at the cricket ground in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

This match between the two countries has been advanced as the first phase of the ‘Sport 75’ initiative. In the context of India advancing its ambition to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this initiative is being seen as an important step to expand cooperation and people-to-people relations between India and Japan through sports.

According to the BCCI, ‘Sport 75’ is an initiative advanced from an agreement reached during the summit meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Japan. It aims to promote human exchange and cooperation in the field of sports between the two countries.

Reacting to the historic match, BCCI Secretary Devjit

Reacting to the historic match, BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia said that the special T20 international to be held in Japan between the Indian and Japanese men’s teams is an important moment for cricket.

He said that this match is being seen as an opportunity for the Indian team to reach new territories and to further popularize cricket in Japan and the East Asian region as a whole. ‘There has been a strong relationship and friendship between India and Japan for a long time. It is a matter of joy that cricket can also be a part of this celebration on the occasion of completing 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries,’ Saikia said.

He praised the efforts made by the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) to make the match possible and expressed BCCI’s commitment to cooperate with JCA for the development of cricket in Japan in the coming days.

BCCI has expressed the view that the development

BCCI has expressed the view that the development of cricket should be expanded beyond traditionally strong areas and has expressed its commitment to assist in the development of the sport in Japan. Similarly, Naoki Miyaji, CEO of the Japan Cricket Association, said that it is a historic moment for Japanese cricket to welcome the world champion Indian team to Japan.

He expressed confidence that this match will increase interest in cricket in Japan and called on Indian cricket fans and Japanese cricket lovers to watch the match and support their team.

This match between the men’s cricket teams of India and Japan will also be the first international cricket encounter for both countries. It is expected to expand the popularity of cricket in Japan and further strengthen sports diplomacy between India and Japan.

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Source: english.ratopati.com