Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 07: India’s historic T20I against Japan on September 22 is facing a broadcast scramble. Reportedly, the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is working to finalise coverage of the first international meeting between the two sides.
The match will be played at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi Prefecture and will form part of celebrations marking 75 years of India-Japan diplomatic relations. It is also scheduled shortly before the men’s cricket campaign at the Asian Games.
According to a report from Cricbuzz, the JCA is in talks with ITW Universe to secure broadcast rights. The match was initially planned to be streamed live on YouTube, and that option could remain available even if a broadcast agreement is finalised.
In India, the game could also be available on regular broadcast platforms, although the BCCI is yet to conclude on an agreement. FanCode is among the platforms being considered. Meanwhile, ITW is reportedly in discussions with Star, Sony and Zee. Notably, FanCode has previously worked with the JCA.
The scheduling of the match has added to the broadcast challenge. India’s men’s game is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM IST. Meanwhile, the Asian Games women’s cricket gold medal match is due to take place about an hour after the start of the India-Japan fixture. Sony currently holds the Asian Games broadcast rights.
Organisers had considered moving the match to September 23, but that would create travel difficulties for Japan. Notably, Japan is scheduled to face Afghanistan in its first Asian Games group match on September 24.
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, is expected to reach Sano on September 20 and train the following day. The defending champions will begin their Asian Games campaign on September 28 and enter directly in the quarterfinals.
