India-Japan set to play historic T20I in Sano

India and Japan are set to face off against each other for the first time in international cricket in a historic men's T20I. 

The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed in a statement that the two men's teams will square off in a T20I on September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture.

Both sides are due to feature in the men's cricket tournament at the Asian Games 2026.

Whereas Japan will feature in the group stages, India are due to appear straight in the quater-final round. 

Having clinched the ICC Men's T20 World Cup title earlier this year, India will see the contest as an essential warm-up ahead of the Asian Games, where they won gold medal in men's cricket competition four years ago, while Japan will look to gain invaluable experience from the clash against some of the world's best players.

“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," BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said.

"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."

JCA CEO Naoki Miyaji also weighed in on the occasion and what it means for cricket in Japan.

“To be able to invite the reigning World Champions to the home of cricket in Japan is a landmark moment for our association," he said.

The historic contest between the two teams, marking their first-ever meeting in international cricket, is in line with the sport's global expansion, with the upcoming Asian Games competition an important step before cricket's return at the Olympics.