Diplomatic cricket: Manhas, Iyer and Japan’s ambassador discuss Suzuki Cup

BCCI president Mithun Manhas and Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer met Japanese Ambassador Keichi Oono in Delhi on September 16, just days before the inaugural India‑Japan Suzuki Cup clash.

The talks focused on the expanding sporting relationship between the two countries. Ambassador Oono presented a daruma doll to Manhas as a good‑luck charm, a gesture the BCCI chief shared on X, describing the encounter as a milestone for cricket’s outreach in Japan.

Manhas referenced the ambition set by former BCCI chief Jay Shah to globalise the sport and praised the collaborative spirit that will be evident at the September 22 T20 match at Sano International Cricket Ground, Tochigi. He also noted the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, where cricket will feature for the first time.

The Suzuki Cup marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Japan and inaugurates the “Sport 75” initiative, aimed at deepening bilateral sports cooperation. It also represents Japan’s debut on the international cricket stage, with both teams preparing for their first on‑field meeting.