Historic India-Japan T20I Match Set to Celebrate 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations

In a significant event marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, BCCI President Mithun Manhas and the Indian cricket team met with Japanese Ambassador Ono Keiichi in New Delhi. The meeting precedes a historic T20I match scheduled for September 22, where the Ambassador presented a traditional Japanese good-luck charm to the team. The match is part of the 'Sport 75' initiative aimed at enhancing sports cooperation between the two nations, coinciding with India's ambitions to host the Olympic Games in 2036. This event promises to strengthen the bonds of friendship through cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 16, 2026, 18:49 IST

Meeting Ahead of the Historic Match

On Wednesday, Mithun Manhas, the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), along with members of the Indian cricket team, had a meeting with Ono Keiichi, the Japanese Ambassador to India, in New Delhi. This gathering was held in anticipation of the upcoming bilateral T20I match between India and Japan, scheduled for September 22, which will commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The BCCI shared moments from this significant meeting on X, where the Ambassador presented the Indian team with a 'Daruma', a traditional Japanese good-luck charm.

Ambassador's Good Wishes

Ono Keiichi took to X to express his happiness about meeting the BCCI President and the Indian cricket squad. He conveyed his best wishes to the Indian team, known as the Men in Blue, for their participation in the upcoming Asian Games.

In his post, he stated, "Dosti ki Nayi Innings. Delighted to meet @BCCI President @MithunManhas and Team India led by Captain @ShreyasIyer15. Looking forward to the SUZUKI CUP - India-Japan 75th Anniversary Cricket Match in Sano, Tochigi, Japan on 22 September! Best wishes for the 20th Asian Games."

Details of the Suzuki Cup and 'Sport 75' Initiative

The Suzuki Cup is set to occur at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture on September 22, 2026. This match marks the beginning of the 'Sport 75' initiative, which emerged from an agreement made during a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative aims to enhance human exchanges and cooperation in sports between India and Japan, especially considering India's aspirations to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.