Amit Rai, Mumbai: A new chapter of cricketing relations between India and Japan is about to begin. Cricket will now join the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. The Indian cricket team and the Japan men’s cricket team will play a T20 International in Japan on September 22. With this match, ‘Sport 75’, an initiative to increase cooperation and people-to-people contact between the two countries through sports, will begin. The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) and BCCI have announced the match.

This match in the name of Suzuki Cup will be played on September 22

The match will be played on 22 September 2026 under the name of Suzuki Cup at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The match will form part of the opening ceremony to celebrate 75 years of India-Japan relations.

….What is the ‘Sport 75’ initiative?

This match will be the first link of the ‘Sport 75’ initiative. Its aim is to increase cooperation between India and Japan in the field of sports and strengthen people-to-people contacts between the two countries. This initiative is linked to the agreement reached at the summit between the Prime Ministers of Japan and India. India’s ambition to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036 has also been taken into consideration.

BCCI secretary calls ‘historic encounter’

BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia said that this international T20 match played in Japan between the Indian and Japanese teams is a historic opportunity in the world of cricket. The Indian team will reach a new level of cricket and seize the opportunity to bring cricket to more people in East Asia. BCCI will work closely with JCA to strengthen cricket in Japan.

The Japan Cricket Association is delighted to…

Naoki Miyaji, CEO of the Japan Cricket Association said, “Inviting the reigning world champion Indian team to Japan is a historic moment for the JCA. He thanked the BCCI and said he was looking forward to welcoming Indian cricket fans in Japan with enthusiasm. Along with this, he appealed to the local people of Japan to watch cricket closely.