India and Japan to Play Historic First Senior Men's T20I in Tochigi on September 22
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) have officially announced a historic first senior men's Twenty20 International match between India and Japan, scheduled to take place on September 22, 2026. The landmark encounter will be played at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
Branded as the Suzuki Cup, the fixture marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan and serves as part of the bilateral "Sport 75" initiative to boost athletic and cultural cooperation. The match also serves as a key preparation window ahead of the men's cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the match represents a significant milestone in expanding cricket beyond traditional boundaries and introducing the sport to new audiences across East Asia. Saikia emphasized that as the world's leading cricket board, the BCCI is committed to facilitating international growth and supporting emerging cricketing nations. Organizers confirmed that tickets for the match sold out rapidly following the announcement, reflecting growing enthusiasm for cricket in Japan.
