How one India T20I could become Japanese cricket’s defining moment

Alan Curr, the COO of the Japan Cricket Association (JCA), has been busy preparing for the historic India vs. Japan T20I match on September 22. The fact that the reigning world champions are coming to play is a significant milestone for Japanese cricket, but what lies behind this quiet growth in the sport?

Cricket was introduced to Japan in the 1870s, but it has struggled to gain traction compared to other sports like baseball and sumo wrestling. However, with the JCA’s steady efforts, registered players have increased from around 3,000 in 2014 to 8,800 today. The Japan Cup, a T20 competition, has grown from a dozen teams to over 80, and the domestic 40-over league now spans four divisions.

Curr attributes this growth to the concept of “kaizen,” or continual improvement, which is driving the JCA’s efforts to expand the sport. While the India match represents a significant milestone, Curr’s focus is on making cricket more accessible and friendly in Japan. He points to the women’s team, who have been praised for their gracious behavior towards fans after their Asian Games fixture against India.

The BCCI was keen to train at Sano, despite not being part of the JCA’s grand plan to expand the sport, which speaks volumes about the potential benefits of this relationship. As Curr notes, “It’s huge credit to them that they’re excited about coming here and building this relationship with the JCA.” This exchange highlights the importance of collaboration between cricketing nations and associations.

The timing of this match is strategic, coinciding as it does with the Asian Games just days later. India’s participation in Japan will provide an opportunity for the sport to gain legitimacy through one of the country’s most recognizable sporting events. As Curr astutely observes, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” This moment could accelerate cricket’s growth in Japan and pave the way for increased recognition.

However, winning hearts and viewers is more important than securing a victory on the pitch. The JCA’s focus on cultural success – making cricket fun and accessible to new audiences – may be the true measure of this match’s impact. If thousands of first-time spectators leave Sano remembering more than just India’s star power, Japanese cricket may have achieved its goal.

The India fixture was never part of Japan’s grand plan to expand the sport but has become a catalyst for growth. This match represents an opportunity for Japan to showcase its commitment to developing cricket and demonstrate its ability to host international-level events. The success or failure of this match will not only reflect on Japan’s cricketing abilities but also its capacity to engage with global sporting communities.

As the world watches the India vs. Japan T20I match, they will see more than just a game – they will witness Japan’s quiet revival in cricket. Will this moment prove to be a turning point for Japanese cricket? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the stage is set for an exciting chapter in the sport’s history.

The BCCI’s willingness to build a relationship with the JCA and India’s enthusiasm for training at Sano demonstrate that collaboration can drive growth and success. However, it remains to be seen whether this match will translate into increased participation and recognition for cricket in Japan. As Curr emphasizes, “Cricket is not new to Japan, but adaptation is a different story.” With one match, the JCA aims to accelerate its efforts to make cricket mainstream in Japan.

The India vs. Japan T20I match represents an opportunity for Japan to showcase its commitment to developing cricket and engage with global sporting communities. The outcome of this match may not be as important as the impact it has on Japanese cricket’s growth and recognition. As the JCA continues to strive for “kaizen,” it’s essential to remember that success is not solely measured by wins or losses but by the cultural exchange and connection forged during these moments.

The stage is set, the world is watching, and Japan is ready to make its mark on the cricketing world. One match may not change everything, but it could be a defining moment for Japanese cricket – and its quiet revival in the country.