FanCode Secures Streaming Rights for Historic India-Japan T20I as Broadcast Battle Intensifies

FanCode has won the Indian streaming rights for the one-off Twenty20 International between India and Japan, a fixture that carries significance beyond the boundary as it marks the launch of celebrations for the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic relations.

The match, scheduled for September 22 at Sano International Stadium in Tochigi Prefecture, will be played concurrently with the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The first ball is set for 9.30am IST. FanCode, which has been working closely with the Japan Cricket Association on pathway cricket, secured the rights to stream the game in India.

However, the broader broadcast landscape remains unresolved. A decision on the television rights is expected within the next 24 hours, with Sony, Star and Zee understood to be in active discussions. The global digital rights, meanwhile, could attract interest from major new players. YouTube and Netflix may enter the fray, while JioHotstar, which recently expanded its service globally, is also among the potential bidders.

The interest from major broadcasters stems not merely from the cricket but from the geopolitical context surrounding the fixture. The game is being played alongside the Asian Games and has received backing from the governments of both India and Japan. For the organisers, the match represents an opportunity to take Indian cricket into a new market and build long-term visibility in Japan.

The rights were acquired from ITW Universe, which has secured the exclusive global sports production, broadcast distribution, and commercial marketing rights for the match. According to a media release, ITW Universe holds full ownership of the broadcast feed and commercial inventory for the fixture.

Naoki Alex Miyaji, CEO of the Japan Cricket Association, described the game as a defining milestone for the growth of cricket in Japan. “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,” he said.

Bhairav Shanth, Co-Founder of ITW Universe, framed the rights acquisition as a significant commercial achievement. “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 said.

The broadcast decisions, both in India and globally, will determine how widely the historic fixture reaches audiences. With the television rights expected to be finalised within 24 hours, the shape of the coverage is set to become clearer shortly.

                                               

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