Tokyo: (RightNow) To mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, India’s cricket team will play its first-ever T20 International match against Japan on September 22. The match will take place at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Japan.

This match is part of the Suzuki Cup and is significant for promoting sports cooperation between the two nations. It results from an agreement between the countries’ Prime Ministers, which also includes a bid to host the 2036 Olympics.

Devajit Saikia stated that India’s visit to Japan will open new avenues for cricket and provide an opportunity to introduce the sport in East Asia. He also thanked the Japan Cricket Association for this opportunity.

Following this match, the number of teams that have played T20 against India will reach 20. Japan is currently ranked 41st in the men’s T20 International rankings. Although Japan is hosting the Asian Games, this match will be held at a different venue.

It is noteworthy that Naoki Miyaji, Chief Executive of the Japan Cricket Association, has called the match a milestone for Japanese cricket and thanked the Indian Cricket Board. He encouraged the Japanese public to watch the match to make it a memorable event.