JioStar and FanCode have secured key Indian broadcast rights for the historic one-off T20I between India and Japan, with JioStar taking the India-region linear television rights and FanCode securing the Indian streaming rights for the September 22 fixture.
According to Cricbuzz journalist Vijay Tagore, JioStar has bagged the television rights for the match at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Japan. YouTube and Netflix could also enter the race for global rights, while JioHotstar, which has expanded its service internationally, is another potential bidder.
The commercial interest comes as India prepares to face Japan for the first time at senior men’s international level, creating a rare opportunity for broadcasters, sponsors and rights holders to take Indian cricket into a developing market.
ITW Universe takes control of commercial rights
ITW Universe has secured the exclusive global sports production, broadcast distribution and commercial marketing rights for the one-off T20I, giving the company control of both the broadcast feed and commercial inventory.
The match will be played at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi, Japan, starting at 9:30 AM IST, or 1:00 PM local time.
An official statement from the organisers said: “Held alongside the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, the match presents an unprecedented opportunity to take Indian cricket into a new market and build long-term visibility in Japan.”
FanCode has previously worked with the Japan Cricket Association on pathway cricket, providing an existing relationship between the two organisations as the platform takes on the Indian streaming rights for the fixture.
ITW Universe Co-Founder Bhairav Shanth said in the official statement: “Securing the exclusive rights for this historic match is a proud milestone for ITW Universe. India playing Japan on Japanese soil for the very first time is a monumental moment for global cricket. Having full control over the broadcast and commercial footprint allows us to build a premium, world-class experience for viewers while offering an unmissable, first-mover platform for brands and media networks.”
Japan targets a new cricket audience
The fixture forms part of a broader effort to increase cricket’s visibility in Japan. The Japan Cricket Association is expanding capacity at the Sano International Cricket Ground as it prepares for increased attendance around the match.
Japan Cricket Association CEO Naoki Alex Miyaji said in the official statement: “Bringing the Indian cricket team to Japanese soil for this historic T20I is a defining milestone for the growth of cricket in Japan. Partnering with ITW Universe ensures that this fixture will be produced and marketed to the highest global standards, giving fans in Japan, India, and around the world a top-tier viewing experience while inspiring a whole new generation of cricket enthusiasts in our country.”
The match will also launch the Sport 75 initiative, connected to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. The initiative is backed by the governments of both countries and is intended to promote sporting exchanges and cooperation between them.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia wrote on X: “Cricket’s global journey is being shaped by moments that take the game beyond its traditional boundaries. The India–Japan T20I match on 22nd. September,’26 is one such moment taking international cricket to Japan, connecting with a new audience and strengthening the game’s presence in a region with immense potential.”
Cricket’s global journey is being shaped by moments that take the game beyond its traditional boundaries.
The India–Japan T20I match on 22nd. September,’26 is one such moment taking international cricket to Japan, connecting with a new audience and strengthening the game’s…
— Devajit LON Saikia (@lonsaikia) September 7, 2026
Asian Games create tight turnaround
The fixture will take place alongside the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, creating a compressed schedule for both teams around the historic meeting.
India will be captained by Shreyas Iyer, with VVS Laxman serving as Head Coach. The squad is scheduled to arrive in Sano on September 20 and hold a practice session the following day.
Japan faces an even tighter turnaround. The team is due to travel on September 23 ahead of its opening Asian Games group match against Afghanistan in Aichi on September 24.
India, the defending Asian Games champions, will begin its campaign later in the tournament, entering directly at the quarterfinal stage on September 28.
