India and Japan will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations with a special T20 International between their men’s cricket teams in Japan on September 22.The Japan Cricket Association and the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced that the Suzuki Cup will be played at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture on Tuesday, September 22.The match will launch celebrations for the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations and form part of “Sport 75”, which is an initiative aimed at promoting sporting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.The initiative stems from an agreement reached during a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It also takes note of India’s ambition to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.“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 Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia said.Saikia said that the BCCI was committed to helping cricket expand beyond its traditional markets.“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,” he said.The BCCI will also work with the JCA to strengthen the sport’s presence in Japan and develop the relationship between the two cricket boards.JCA CEO Naoki Miyaji hailed India’s visit as a landmark moment for Japanese cricket.“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,” Miyaji said.
Source: www.cnbctv18.com
