'It's extremely special': Japan captain on historic India clash

When Naoki Alex Miyaji, the CEO of the Japan Cricket Association (JCA), used to speak about hosting India, not too many believed it would happen. The world champions flying all the way to Tokyo to play the 41st-ranked Associate nation seemed virtually impossible. The Asian Games came along and what had long seemed unlikely turned into reality for the little-known Japanese side, led by Kendel Kadowaki Fleming. “The CEO has had this dream for a long time,” Kendel, Japan captain, tells Cricbuzz in a conversation. “When news first came up that we were hosting the Asian Games, Naoki had been talking about the concept of having India here for a game. So, for it to turn into reality is extremely special for a lot of people involved, and as a men's team, we can't wait.” They play India at Sano International Stadium on Tuesday (September 22).