India's upcoming T20I against Japan is set to be a landmark occasion for cricket, but questions remain over how fans in India will watch the historic encounter.
The one-off match is scheduled for September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture. It will mark the first men's international meeting between India and Japan, adding significance to what would otherwise be an unusual fixture on India's calendar.
As per a report from Cricbuzz, the biggest unresolved issue is the broadcast. The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is working with ITW Universe on arrangements for the match, with discussions understood to be taking place with several broadcasters and digital platforms.
The fixture's timing has further complicated the process.
The India-Japan game falls during the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where cricket will also feature. The women's cricket gold-medal match is scheduled to start an hour after the India-Japan fixture, creating a potential overlap for broadcasters covering the multi-sport event.
India are expected to travel to Sano on September 20, with a training session scheduled for the following day before the T20I. Following the Japan match, the Indian contingent will move to Aichi for the Asian Games, with India's men's campaign beginning with a quarter-final on September 28.
The match also gives India an opportunity to assess players outside the regular international setup ahead of the Asian Games.
How to Watch India vs Japan T20I Match?
ITW Universe is understood to be exploring television and digital options for the Indian market. FanCode is among the platforms in discussions for streaming, while Star, Sony and Zee are reportedly being approached regarding television coverage.
A global YouTube stream remains another possibility if a conventional broadcast agreement is not finalised.
The JCA had considered moving the match to September 23, but Japan's Asian Games schedule made that option difficult. Japan are due to travel to Aichi before their September 24 fixture against Afghanistan.
