The match will be the first step of Sport 75, an initiative arising from the agreement during a meeting between Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi and India’s PM Narendra Modi. The move also aims to promote cooperation between the two nations with an eye on India’s ambition to host the Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2036.
“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,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement. “India and Japan share a strong and longstanding relationship and friendship, and we are pleased that cricket will be part of the celebrations marking 75 years of bilateral relations between the two countries, and we thank the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) for its efforts in making this fixture possible.
“The BCCI believes that the growth of cricket must extend beyond its traditional territories, and as the world’s largest cricket board, we recognise our responsibility to contribute to that growth. The BCCI will work closely with the JCA to further strengthen cricket in Japan and to build on this relationship in the years ahead.”
“To be able to invite the reigning World Champions to the home of cricket in Japan is a landmark moment for our association,” JCA CEO Naoki Miyaji said. “We thank the BCCI for working with us towards this goal and greatly look forward to welcoming the passion of Indian cricket fans, and we actively encourage any local Japanese people curious about cricket to come and cheer on our team in what will be a truly memorable occasion.”
