Who will broadcast India vs. Japan cricket match in India? Search on for TV rights for historic clash
· Yahoo Sports
India's men's cricket team is set to face hosts Japan in a historic one-off T20I on September 22, a fixture that would ordinarily attract millions of viewers at home.
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While Sony Pictures Networks India holds the exclusive broadcast rights for the 2026 Asian Games across the Indian subcontinent, this bilateral match is not part of the Games and will be held concurrently.
The failure to lock in a broadcast partner this close to the match highlights the logistical difficulties of hosting a high-profile bilateral fixture right next to a multi-sport continental event.
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This distinction has created a gap between the overall Asian Games rights and the broadcast arrangements for the Suzuki Cup specifically. Beyond the billion-strong audience in India, it also creates problems for the wider cricketing circle.
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Who will broadcast India vs. Japan cricket match?
According to reports, the Japan Cricket Association is working with ITW Universe to secure a dedicated broadcast and streaming partner for the historic fixture at the Sano International Cricket Ground.
The talks are separate from and parallel to Sony's existing deal for the wider Games.
FanCode, Sony, Star Sports, and Zee are all understood to be in discussions, with FanCode among the leading contenders for streaming rights. The situation reflects how the bilateral Suzuki Cup sits outside the OCA's commercial arrangements.
No agreement has been finalised at the time of writing, leaving the broadcast status of what would be a historic first meeting between India and Japan in men's T20I cricket technically unresolved less than two weeks before the September 22 match.
The complication lies in the fact that the India vs Japan T20I is a standalone event. Adding to the challenge is a scheduling overlap, as the match kicks off at 9:30 AM IST, just an hour before the Women's Asian Games gold medal match.
The venue's broadcast infrastructure also presents challenges. The Sano International Cricket Ground has a standard capacity of just 500, though it is being scaled up for the occasion.
The cost and logistics of a full-scale broadcast production for a single match 400km away from the Asian Games hub in Aichi are significant.
India vs. Japan one-off T20I schedule
DateMatchTime (IST)VenueSeptember 22, 2026India vs Japan (Suzuki Cup)9:30 AMSano International Cricket Ground, TochigiDafabetMAKE YOUR BET WITH DAFABET AND GET UP TO 200% WELCOME BONUS
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