Tochigi, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : India and Japan are set to make history with their first-ever T20 International match, scheduled for September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi. This event marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, as announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday.
Named the ‘Suzuki Cup’, this match is the centerpiece of a significant bilateral initiative called ‘Sport 75’. This initiative was established following an agreement between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent summit, aimed at enhancing sports exchange and cooperation.
BCCI Secretary Devjeet Saikia expressed excitement about being part of this historic occasion. He noted, “The BCCI is delighted that the men’s teams from India and Japan will come together for this special T20 International match. This is a pivotal moment for cricket, as it allows the Indian team to reach a new audience in Japan and East Asia.”
Saikia also highlighted the strong and longstanding friendship between India and Japan. He added, “We are pleased that cricket will play a role in celebrating 75 years of bilateral relations. We thank the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) for their efforts in making this match possible.”
In light of increasing fan interest, organizers plan to expand the venue’s capacity from 500 to 2,000 spectators. Ticket sales are expected to start soon. The Indian men’s team will also be in Japan from September 24 to October 3 to participate in the men’s events at the Asian Games.
Naoki Miyaji, Chief Executive of the Japan Cricket Association, described the arrival of the reigning World Champions as a game-changer for local cricket. “Welcoming the current World Champions to Japan is a memorable moment for our association. We thank the BCCI for their collaboration in achieving this goal and are excited to welcome the enthusiasm of Indian cricket fans. We also encourage local Japanese fans interested in cricket to come out and support our team, as this will be a truly unforgettable occasion.”
Meanwhile, left-arm spin all-rounder Vicky Ostwal, fast bowler Rasikh Salam, and Kartik Tyagi are set to join the Indian team as net bowlers for the Asian Games. Their passport and visa formalities are currently underway, and they are expected to depart from New Delhi to Tokyo with the team on September 19.
A BCCI source mentioned that the progress of these three players is being closely monitored by VVS Laxman, head of the Center of Excellence (COE) and the team’s head coach for the Asian Games. The source added that this experience will provide valuable exposure for the players as they prepare for the multi-sport event.
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