A Dream Becomes Reality
Japan captain Kendel Kadowaki Fleming has described the opportunity to host India for a T20I match as extremely special. The match will be played at Sano International Stadium on Tuesday, September 22. This is a historic occasion because India have never played a bilateral match against an Associate nation before. The Asian Games provided the platform for this unlikely meeting to become reality.
The Long Road to This Moment
Naoki Alex Miyaji, the CEO of the Japan Cricket Association, had dreamed for a long time about hosting India. When news first came that Japan would host the Asian Games, Miyaji began talking about the idea of having India come for a game. Kendel said it took a massive effort from many people to make it happen. He credited the Board of Control for Cricket in India for accepting Japan’s proposal, along with the leadership team at the Japan Cricket Association.
An Exciting Opportunity for Japanese Cricket
Kendel said the match presents an extremely exciting opportunity for the Japan players. The experience of playing against the reigning world champions will bring enormous attention to cricket across the country. He said it has the potential to accelerate the growth of cricket in Japan. More people than ever before are expected to attend a cricket match in the country. The best quality players Japan has ever faced will also be on display.
Facing the Best in the World
The Japanese team will share the field with players like Jasprit Bumrah, Abhishek Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer. Kendel admitted it still sounds surreal to hear about them playing in Japan. However, the team is not overawed by the opposition. Kendel said he cannot guarantee any outcome, but he can guarantee that Japan will try their best and compete. They will give it their best shot.
Japan’s Squad and Style of Play
Kendel is 30 years old and plays as a left-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner. The Japan side has a good mix of experience and youth. A couple of exciting young players have come through the pathway system. One of them is Charlie Hara-Hinze, a 17-year-old all-rounder who bowls left-arm spin.
Historically, Japan have been a spin-heavy side because of the conditions they often play in, both at home and in countries like PNG, Thailand, and Oman. At the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026, Japan delivered a landmark performance by defeating Kuwait by five wickets.
The ICC’s Perspective
The International Cricket Council is excited about the September 22 encounter. William Glenwright, ICC General Manager of Development, said the match is enormous and one of their aspirations as an international federation. More than 1,000 bilateral games were played last year and over 860 so far this year.
Yet the ICC regards this game as particularly significant. Glenwright said having a full member and the world champions playing any associate member is hugely important. He added that it reflects growing confidence in the game and in the belief that associate members can host full members in major international cricket.
Cricket’s Place in Japan
Kendel is aware that cricketers are not larger-than-life figures in Japan. The country’s biggest sporting superstar is Shohei Ohtani, a baseball icon. Kendel described Ohtani as the Virat Kohli of baseball. Baseball is a sport that many supporters in Japan get behind. However, Kendel believes cricket can also rise in popularity one day. He said there is no reason why Japan cannot aspire to reach that level in cricket someday. He admitted there is a long road ahead to replicate what full-member countries have achieved, but the ambition is there.