Japan prepares ground for T20 with India, Sri Lanka pitches in, and sponsors line up

In January, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi exchanged cricket gifts - Motegi presented Japan's pink jersey and Jaishankar gifted a bat signed by Indian cricketers. This led to the announcement of the first bilateral T20 International match between India and Japan at the Sano International Cricket Ground, 100 km from Tokyo, on September 22.

This match, part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between the two nations, is being sponsored by Suzuki and other entities such as MUFG, State Bank of India, and TCS. Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji highlighted the high interest from sponsors and spectators, with tickets selling out quickly.

The ground's capacity has been increased to accommodate 2,000 spectators. In addition to the match, the SLC provided groundsmen and clay for the Asian Games venues in Sano and Nisshin City. The Japan team, though not making it to the T20 World Cup, aims to expand cricket's reach through the City of Cricket program, which has introduced the sport in various schools across Japan.