JCA CEO Naoki Miyaji calls India T20I and Asian Games 'game-changers' for Japan cricket

This will be the first-ever international meeting between the India and Japan men's senior teams. The fixture also forms part of the 'Sport 75' initiative, which marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.

India, the reigning T20 World Cup champions and the ICC's top-ranked T20I side, will face Japan, who are currently ranked 41st in the ICC T20I rankings. Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Miyaji said the visit of a full-strength India side carries enormous weight across multiple areas. Miyaji was equally clear about what the match means for Japan's players.

"On the social impact, the economic impact, the partner impact, the market impact, and the media impact, having that full-strength side means the world to us. Having the full-strength Indian team coming... that is what we need to show people, that is what is going to make the big impact on so many different fronts, like for the players as well. Having that opportunity to play against the best-the reigning World Champions-is a benchmark. Without that challenge and that opportunity to play, try to perform, and play well against the World Champions, you're not going to improve," Miyaji told MyKhel.

How has Japan prepared the Sano venue for this scale of cricket?

The India-Japan T20I represents a significant step up in production and infrastructure for Japanese cricket. Miyaji acknowledged that the JCA has hosted international teams and tournaments before, but nothing at this level.

"We've hosted international teams and tournaments before, but not at this scale. This is the first time we're welcoming a full member to the Sano International Cricket Ground," he said.

The broadcast operation for the match has been expanded from six cameras, which was the largest production Japan had previously managed, to nine or 10 cameras. Suzuki Motors came on board as title sponsor at short notice, and the BCCI and ICC provided financial and logistical support to help meet the costs of bringing facilities and operations up to the required standard. Miyaji also confirmed that the pitch preparation at Sano has been aligned with the Asian Games venue.

"We've made sure that the clay at Sano is the same clay that we're using at the Asian Games venue," he said, adding: "So the players can get used to the conditions here and then have a similar experience when they go to the Asian Games," Miyaji added.

What is Japan's Asian Games schedule and squad situation?

The Asian Games men's cricket tournament runs from September 24 to October 3, 2026. India have qualified directly for the quarter-final round, while Japan will compete in the group stages. The T20I against India on September 22 therefore serves as immediate preparation for Japan ahead of their Asian Games campaign, which begins just two days later.

Japan's squad for the India T20I is the same group selected for the Asian Games. The squad is led by captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming. The JCA's decision to use the India fixture as a direct warm-up reflects the dual purpose Miyaji has outlined for the entire event, covering both the development of Japan's players and the broader growth of cricket in the country.