The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced that their men’s teams will compete in a Twenty20 International (T20I) match to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. The match, named the Suzuki Cup, is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture.
This fixture will inaugurate “Sport 75”, an initiative stemming from an agreement made during a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The programme aims to promote cooperation and exchanges in sports between the two nations, noting India’s ambition to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stay connected
Make The News Mill your preferred TNM on Google
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia described the event as a historic milestone for Indian cricket, highlighting it as an important opportunity to introduce the sport to Japan and East Asia. He stated, “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 added, “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.” He also affirmed the BCCI’s commitment to expanding cricket beyond traditional markets, saying, “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.”
JCA Chief Executive Officer Naoki Miyaji described the visit of the Indian team as a landmark moment and expressed gratitude towards the BCCI for its collaboration. He encouraged both Indian cricket supporters and local Japanese spectators to attend, stating, “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.”
Source: thenewsmill.com
