2 hrs ago
Japan’s Pakistani and Kiwi Sons Face India in One-Off Match
Ibrahim Takahashi and Reo Sakurano-Thomas will play cricket for Japan against India.
The match is a special one-off game at Sano Cricket Ground.
Ibrahim was born near Mount Fuji and later grew up in Pakistan, where he discovered cricket.
He returned to Japan and joined a cricket club after studying information technology and visual communication.
Reo moved from Japan to New Zealand when he was five years old.
He played cricket in school and for Northern Districts.
Both men later returned to Japan to pursue cricket and other work.
They are especially excited because India is the reigning world champion in 20-over cricket.
Ibrahim Takahashi and Reo Sakurano-Thomas were named in Japan’s squad to face India.
The historic one-off match will be played Tuesday at Sano Cricket Ground.
Takahashi was born in Japan, grew up partly in Pakistan, and returned to cricket in Japan in 2018.
Sakurano-Thomas was raised in New Zealand and played under-19 cricket for Northern Districts.
Both players said they were excited to face India, the reigning 20-over world champions.
- Who
- Japan cricketers Ibrahim Takahashi and Reo Sakurano-Thomas will face India.
- What
- Japan will play India in a historic one-off cricket match.
- Where
- Sano Cricket Ground, Japan.
- When
- Tuesday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Why
- The match gives Japan’s players an opportunity to compete against India, the reigning 20-over world champions.
Key facts
- Match
- Japan versus India in a one-off fixture
- Venue
- Sano Cricket Ground
- Timing
- Tuesday
- Japan players
- Ibrahim Takahashi and Reo Sakurano-Thomas
- Ibrahim’s background
- Born in Gotemba, Japan; lived in Pakistan during childhood
- Reo’s background
- Moved to Waikato, New Zealand, at age five
- India’s status
- Reigning 20-over world champions
Quotes
Reo Sakurano-Thomas
Japan cricketer and son of New Zealand and Japanese parents
“COVID struck a year after we moved back to Japan. Sitting at home I wasn’t doing anything, so I searched for cricket in Japan and got in touch with one of the clubs, the Chiba Sharks. After a few months I heard we had a sub-regional World Cup qualifier coming up, so I threw my hat into the ring. Luckily enough, I was selected.”
indianexpress.com
“Even in my wildest dream, I would not have imagined that the opportunity of playing against the world champions would arrive. My dad commentates on Japan’s matches. He probably won’t get this particular gig, but I know he will be super proud that his son is playing against India.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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