FanCode has officially secured the streaming rights for the upcoming one-off Twenty20 International between India and Japan, which is scheduled to take place on September 22. The match will be hosted at the Sano International Stadium in Tochigi Prefecture, with the opening delivery set for 9:30 am IST. This fixture serves as the inaugural event for the 75th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.
While FanCode has locked in the Indian digital rights, the broader broadcast landscape remains in flux. Major networks including Sony, Star, and Zee are currently in discussions regarding domestic television coverage, with a final decision anticipated within the next 24 hours. Furthermore, global digital rights are attracting significant interest, with platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, and the recently expanded JioHotstar potentially in contention.
The commercial and production rights for this landmark match are held by ITW Universe, which maintains exclusive control over the global sports production, broadcast distribution, and commercial marketing for the event. The organization holds full ownership of the broadcast feed and the associated commercial inventory. According to organizers, the match is strategically positioned alongside the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, offering a unique opportunity to expand the footprint of Indian cricket into a new market.
Naoki Alex Miyaji, CEO of the Japan Cricket Association (JCA), emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Bringing the Indian cricket team to Japanese soil for this historic T20I is a defining milestone for the growth of cricket in Japan. Partnering with ITW Universe ensures that this fixture will be produced and marketed to the highest global standards, giving fans in Japan, India, and around the world a top-tier viewing experience while inspiring a whole new generation of cricket enthusiasts in our country.”
Bhairav Shanth, Co-Founder of ITW Universe, echoed this sentiment regarding the commercial and broadcast strategy. “Securing the exclusive rights for this historic match is a proud milestone for ITW Universe. India playing Japan on Japanese soil for the very first time is a monumental moment for global cricket. Having full control over the broadcast and commercial footprint allows us to build a premium, world-class experience for viewers while offering an unmissable, first-mover platform for brands and media networks,” Shanth added. The report also notes that meanwhile, it is understood that YouTube and Netflix may enter the fray for the global rights to the game.
