Japan takes cricket leap with historic India T20I

Japan is set to take a major step in its cricketing journey when it faces reigning T20 world champion India in a historic T20 International on September 22.

The match, to be played at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture, will be the first-ever international cricket meeting between Japan and India, marking a significant moment for the sport in Japan. 

The one-off match, known as the Suzuki Cup, is part of celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. It is also being promoted as part of “Sport 75”, an initiative aimed at strengthening sporting ties between the two countries. 

For Japan, the match offers a rare opportunity to play against one of the world’s strongest cricket teams. Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming will lead the side, which also includes experienced players such as Ibrahim Takahashi and Declan Suzuki-McComb. 

The fixture comes just before the 2026 Asian Games, which begin in Japan on September 19. Japan will also compete in the men’s cricket tournament, while India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have received direct entry into the knockout stage. 

Japan Cricket Association officials see the India match and the Asian Games as important opportunities to expand cricket's popularity in a country where baseball and football remain far more popular.