Sports

India and Japan Set for First-Ever T20I Clash to Mark 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties

By Aryan Surana

The men's cricket teams of India and Japan will play a historic one-off T20 International match as part of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday. The fixture, which will be the first-ever international cricket match between the two nations, is scheduled for September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia described the match as a significant milestone for the sport. "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," he said. Saikia also highlighted the broader significance of the event, noting the strong and longstanding relationship between the two countries. He expressed appreciation to the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) for its role in organizing the fixture, saying it was fitting that cricket would be part of the commemorations marking 75 years of bilateral ties between India and Japan.