BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has described the upcoming India Japan T20 International as an important milestone in cricket’s ambition to establish itself as a truly global sport. The historic match is scheduled to take place on September 22, 2026, and is expected to introduce the game to a new audience in Japan.India and Japan will face each other for the first time in a T20 International when they meet in Japan later this month. The match will be played ahead of the men’s cricket competition at the Asian Games in Aichi Nagoya, which begins on September 19.The one off T20I will be hosted at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture. The fixture is being organised under the Suzuki Cup and will also mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.Saikia said the match reflects ICC Chairman Jay Shah’s efforts to take cricket beyond its traditional markets and introduce it to new territories.According to Saikia, cricket’s international expansion is being driven by occasions that help the sport move beyond its established boundaries. He said the India Japan T20I on September 22 is one such occasion, bringing international cricket to Japan, creating a connection with a fresh audience and strengthening the sport’s presence in a region that offers considerable potential.He also highlighted the contribution of Jay Shah, noting the vision and groundwork undertaken during Shah’s time as BCCI Secretary and his current role as ICC Chairman. Saikia said expanding cricket into new countries and creating a stronger route towards the Olympic movement have been important parts of the broader ambition to make the sport more accessible, inclusive and global.Saikia further stated that the BCCI remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at taking cricket to a worldwide audience.“India Japan is much more than a cricket match. It reflects the path our sport is taking as the ambition of becoming a global game gradually turns into reality,” Saikia said.He added that the process of expanding cricket internationally has already started and that many more developments are expected in the future.India currently hold the No. 1 position in the T20 rankings and are the reigning T20 World Cup champions. Japan, meanwhile, are ranked 41st in the ICC T20 rankings.