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NEW DELHI: India and Japan will play their first-ever men's Twenty20 international cricket match on September 22 at Sano International Cricket Ground, the BCCI announced Friday.

The historic fixture celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two Asian nations while introducing the sport to a broader East Asian audience.

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia called it a significant moment bringing reigning world champions India to new territory. Japan Cricket Association chief Naoki Miyaji hopes to encourage local curiosity.

Aligning with India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the initiative promotes sports cooperation and human exchanges between both nations.