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The India vs Japan one-off T20I match is likely to get a well-known broadcaster, as the Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is working closely to secure a broadcast and streaming partner for the only match.
Initially, it was assumed that the match would neither be televised nor streamed live across any app, as these two cricket teams are far distanced between each other in terms of their team strength, profile, and international cricket rankings.
Japan wants to broadcast the match live
But from the perspective of the host nation's cricket team, it is going to be an historic encounter for them on the ground. JCA wants to confirm a broadcast partner so that all cricket fans across the world can witness the historic India vs Japan one-off Twenty20 match on September 22 at the Sano International Stadium in Tochigi Prefecture.
According to media reports, JCA is currently in discussions with ITW Universe. In the next step, ITW is expected to expand further talks with the leading broadcasters and digital platforms. Reliable media sources claim FanCode, Sony, Star, and Zee are among the platforms and broadcasters under consideration with ITW Universe, with FanCode believed to have a slight edge over the other competitors.
Clash of schedules makes the situation more complicated for live streaming
According to a Cricbuzz report, the India vs Japan match was originally expected to be streamed online only through YouTube channels with limited broadcasting equipment. The timing is making it more difficult to stream the match live across platforms, as at the same time, there will be the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
For obvious reasons, most of the eyes will be on the Asian Games, the multi-sport event. Two different events at the same time can also cause logistical issues for the broadcasters and the host. The women’s Asian Games gold-medal match is due to begin just an hour after the India-Japan men's game. India will be one of the favorites to win the title.
FanCode could seal the deal with ITW Universe
The Asian Games rights are currently in the hands of Sony. As Sony already has a confirmed assignment, will they be able to broadcast another match that is not related to the Asian Games? The question remains.
If Sony goes out of the talks for broadcasting the bilateral match, then there will be FanCode, Star, and Zee as the remaining available options. As FanCode has previous experience in working with ITW Universe, they are likely to seal the deal; however, nothing is finalised yet between any parties.
The match is also important from the Indian men's cricket team's perspective as it will be their first-ever contest against Japan. The match will help the Men in Blue to prepare for the Asian Games, where they will enter into the title race as the defending champions. India are scheduled to enter directly at the quarter-final stage.
Initially, BCCI named a star-studded team squad for the Asian Games with stars like captain Shreyas Iyer and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The squad is likely to be changed ahead of the event.
