ArdorComm Media News Network
September 9, 2026
Star Sports Network and FanCode have acquired the exclusive India broadcast and streaming rights, respectively, for the one-off men’s T20I between India and Japan, rights holder ITW Universe announced.
The historic fixture is scheduled for September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi, Japan. It will mark the first T20I encounter between the senior men’s teams of India and Japan and is set to begin at 9:30 am IST (1 pm local time).
ITW Universe holds the global sports production, broadcast distribution and commercial marketing rights for the match and is managing its international distribution and commercialisation.
ITW Universe co-founder Bhairav Shanth said the interest surrounding the fixture highlights its potential to attract audiences beyond cricket’s traditional markets.
FanCode CEO and co-founder Yannick Colaco said the platform was looking forward to bringing the historic match to Indian viewers. Prashant Khanna, head of sports rights and innovation at JioStar, said JioStar was working with ITW Universe to make the fixture available to audiences through its linear platforms.
The match has been organised by the Japan Cricket Association under its ‘Sport 75’ initiative, which commemorates 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. The fixture will also take place alongside the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
Ahead of the match, the Japan Cricket Association is increasing the spectator capacity at the Sano International Cricket Ground as interest builds around the landmark encounter.
Source: Economic Times