India will take on Japan in a historic T20I as the Suzuki Cup celebrates 75 years of friendship

NEW DELHI: India and Japan will witness a historic cricketing moment on September 22, 2026 when their men’s sides meet at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture as part of celebrations leading up to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.The Suzuki Cup will be the first senior-level international cricket match between India and Japan and is seen as a major milestone in the expansion of the sport in Japan. The match will also launch ‘Sport 75’, an initiative to promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between India and Japan through sports. Japan and India will formally celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.

A significant moment for cricket in Japan

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 into account India’s ambition to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.For Japan, the occasion represents an opportunity to showcase the sport to a wider domestic audience, while India’s participation could significantly boost cricket’s profile in the country and across East Asia.BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia described the match as a “historic occasion” and said the board was delighted to be part of the event that would take Indian cricket to “new territory”.“This is a significant moment for cricket as it takes the Indian team into new territory and provides an opportunity to introduce the sport to a wider audience in Japan and East Asia,” Saikia said.He also highlighted the wider significance of the partnership, saying, “India and Japan share a strong and long-standing relationship and friendship and we are delighted that cricket will be part of the celebration of 75 years of bilateral relations between the two countries.Saikia added that the BCCI has recognized its responsibility to help cricket expand beyond its traditional territory.“The BCCI believes that the growth of cricket must extend beyond its traditional territories and as the world’s largest cricket board, we recognize our responsibility to contribute to that growth,” he said.

Japan is ready to welcome India

Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Miyaji said hosting India, the reigning world champions, was a significant opportunity for the association.“Inviting the reigning world champions to the home of cricket in Japan is a milestone for our association,” said Miyaji.He thanked the BCCI for their help in making this match happen and said that the JCA was looking forward to the response from the Indian supporters.“We are very much looking forward to welcoming the passion of Indian cricket fans and we actively encourage all local Japanese people who are interested in cricket to come and cheer our team on this truly memorable occasion,” said Miyaji.The match in Sano is expected to serve not only as a celebration of India-Japan friendship but also as a symbolic step to strengthen cricket’s presence in Japan.