India vs Japan: What is Suzuki Cup? BCCI announces special T20I match ahead of Asian Games

The Indian men's cricket team will take on Japan in a historic T20 International on September 22, 2026, as part of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.

The fixture, named the Suzuki Cup, will be played at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture and represents a significant milestone for cricket in Japan. The match will be played just ahead of the Asian Games cricket tournament.

The match will also serve as the opening event of "Sport 75", an initiative aimed at strengthening sporting ties and encouraging greater people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. The initiative follows an agreement reached during a summit involving Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also takes into account India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

India vs Japan T20I Schedule

Date: September 22

Venue: Sano Intl. Cricket Ground

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia highlighted the importance of taking the Indian team to a new cricketing destination.

"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. 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," he said.

"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," the statement from Saikia added.

India have already named a squad for the Asian Games as Shreyas Iyer is expected to lead the side. VVS Laxman has been appointed as the head coach for the tournament and is set to oversee this encounter as well.