The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is working to secure broadcast and streaming arrangements for the one-off match between India and Japan, scheduled to be played on September 22 at the Sano International Stadium in Tochigi Prefecture.
The JCA is currently in discussions with ITW Universe, which is understood to be negotiating with several broadcasters and digital platforms to bring the historic fixture to Indian viewers. FanCode, Sony, Star and Zee are among the platforms and broadcasters believed to be under consideration.
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The match is being played at the same time as the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, creating a significant logistical challenge for organisers. Despite the difficulties, the JCA is reportedly close to finalising a memorandum of understanding with ITW Universe for the broadcast rights.
The initial plan was to stream the match live on YouTube using relatively limited production equipment. Since the fixture involves two teams with a considerable difference in international experience and profile, finding a broadcaster willing to invest in a one-off production was considered difficult.
However, the possibility of the game being shown on conventional broadcast or streaming platforms in India has now emerged. While a YouTube stream could still be made available internationally, Indian viewers could potentially watch the match through an established sports platform or television broadcaster if a deal is completed.
FanCode is among the digital platforms being approached. The sports streaming service has previously worked with the JCA on Japan’s pathway competitions. ITW Universe is also believed to be in discussions with Star, Sony and Zee regarding television rights.
The match is scheduled to begin at 9.30am IST, corresponding to 1pm local time in Japan.
One of the biggest challenges for the organisers is the timing of the fixture. The women’s Asian Games gold-medal match is scheduled to begin an hour later at Korogi Athletic Park in Nisshin City, Aichi. If the Indian women’s team reaches the final, the two matches could overlap, potentially creating a significant broadcasting complication.
Sony holds the rights to the Asian Games, adding another layer to the scheduling and broadcast considerations.
The organisers had reportedly considered moving the India-Japan match to September 23 to avoid the potential clash. However, that option was ruled out because Japan’s men’s team is scheduled to travel to Aichi the following day for its opening group-stage match against Afghanistan on September 24. The distance between Sano and Aichi is approximately 400 kilometres.
India are expected to arrive in Sano on September 20 and train at the venue the following day. The team could remain in Sano for a few days before travelling to Aichi for the Asian Games, where India’s campaign is scheduled to begin with a quarter-final on September 28.
Meanwhile, preparations are also underway at the Sano International Cricket Ground. The venue currently has a capacity of around 500 spectators, but the JCA plans to expand facilities to accommodate as many as 2,000 fans for what is expected to be a landmark occasion for Japanese cricket.
With India set to play Japan in a rare international fixture, organisers are hoping to secure a broadcast arrangement that allows fans in India and around the world to watch the match.
