The Japan Cricket Association announced on Wednesday the first steps toward "building an international standard ground in Tochigi Prefecture, the first such ground in the country," according to KYODO. JCA outlined the importance of the decision in a press release, and said, "The significance of this is considerable. For the first time Japan now has a dedicated cricketing venue built for purpose which no longer has to compete with other sports for usage." Sano has "long been regarded as the center for Japanese cricket" and hosted the Pakistan Women’s A Team in '13 as well as the six-team East Asia Pacific Trophy the following year. In November, "the city will host the first ever men’s East Asia Cup," featuring the national teams of Japan, China and South Korea and the all Chinese Dragons side from Hong Kong. A three lane practice net facility with high quality floodlights "is also under construction and is planned to be completed by the end of March." Future plans include "a complete renewal of the playing fields" (KYODO, 3/23).
