BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday (September 7, 2026) said the historic one-off T20 International between India and Japan this month will be a significant moment in cricket’s journey to become a global sport by connecting to a new audience.
The match will be played at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture. Played under the banner of the Suzuki Cup, it will commemorate the 75th anniversary of India–Japan diplomatic relations. Mr. “Cricket’s global journey is being shaped by moments that take the game beyond its traditional boundaries. Saikia wrote on ‘X’. The India–Japan T20I match on 22nd.
The India–Japan T20I match on 22nd September,’26 is one such moment taking international cricket to Japan, connecting with a new audience and strengthening the game’s presence in a region with immense potential,” Mr. September,’26 is one such moment taking international cricket to Japan, connecting with a new audience and strengthening the game’s… “India-Japan is more than a cricket match.
Saikia said the match is an effort of ICC chairman Jay Shah to take cricket to newer territories. It represents the direction in which our sport is moving from a global ambition to a global reality,” he said.
The Indian team will be led by Shreyas Iyer, with vice-captain Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among the key names in the squad.