‘They’ve done it: PM, HM, Sinha, parties hail team’s performance
HUBBALLI: Jammu and Kashmir scripted an extraordinary tale of resilience in Indian domestic cricket to claim their maiden Ranji Trophy title by out-batting traditional heavyweights Karnataka here on Saturday, capping a glorious season that saw them tackle favourites and fellow upstarts with equal tact and confidence.
The bald facts will tell that Jammu and Kashmir held the eight-time former champions to a draw punctuated by a 291-run first innings lead to lock the crown, an advantage they extended to 633 runs after scoring 342/4 in their second innings on the fifth and final day here.
Opener Qamran Iqbal’s second first-class hundred (160 not out) and Sahil Lotra’s maiden first-class ton (101 not out) added sheen to the historical occasion.
But the day was always meant to be more than just cold numbers, it was meant to tell the story of determination and the power of a dream that was more than six decades in the making.
It was 67 years ago when Jammu and Kashmir made their debut in India’s premier domestic competition, which is now 92 years old.
In the past, J&K had entered the quarterfinals in 2013-14, 2019-20 and 2024-25 seasons but succumbed to a train of cataclysmic events and their own frayed nerves.
But over the last five days here at the KSCA Stadium, they hardly resembled first-time final entrants, out-maneuvering a side brimming with India stars with consummate ease.
That Karnataka failed to take a single wicket on the fifth day after J&K resumed from overnight 186 for four will reinforce the dominance of the tourists in the final.
It was a team effort in its truest sense that led the lesser fancied side to the title.
Pacer Auqib Nabi was a towering presence in the final as he has been throughout this season, taking five wickets for the seventh time this season.
Lotra made a fifty and hundred, skipper Paras Dogra, who became the second batter to go past 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs, while Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad and Kanhaiya Wadhawan made one half-century each.
They are not household names, perhaps, even in their own state. But this humble bunch produced a magnificent joint effort across 10 Ranji matches in the season that would put a blush on Atlas’ face.
After the current season began in silence in Srinagar following a whipping by Mumbai, Jammu and Kashmir’s glorious journey towards the title clash unfurled like a slow-breaking wave.
And nothing encapsulated J&K’s spirit better than the semifinal against Bengal at Kalyani.
Unlike in the final against Karnataka, they were thrown into turmoil after Bengal took the first-innings lead — small yet good enough to serve their purpose.
But Nabi bowled them back to contention, masterminding Bengal’s dismissal for 88 in the second innings. It, perhaps, made the J&K players aware of the awaiting destiny in Hubballi.
They embraced it gleefully. Shubham Pundir scored a classy hundred, the foundation for J&K’s massive first innings total of 584 and the visitors hardly let the advantage slip.
Karnataka themselves had shown remarkable consistency since the beginning of the season, and a ninth Ranji Trophy title was taken for granted.
It was not a wrong notion either on account of their form and skill levels. But the unsuspecting domestic heavyweight was swept off its feet by a flyweight, not by a knockout punch but by tactical superiority and game awareness.
Karnataka will ponder over the next few days where it all went wrong for them in the title clash, and nothing conveyed the dejection in their hearts than the sight of KL Rahul bowling a few overs.
Harsh views will be exchanged in the boardroom, and a few heads will roll.
But for now, the incredibly feel-good news of a J&K victory will cut across the entrenched lines of the territories socio-economic and political spheres.
We might just have witnessed the breaking down of some barriers at the sun-kissed Hubballi stadium, holding the power to move a whole new generation of youngsters to cricket and to sport in general.
Perhaps, there will be an infrastructure upswing in the area, as Nabi hoped during a recent chat — a cricket stadium in every district.
The historic moment came at 2.10pm, when both the skippers sitting inside a freshly-painted but modest dressing room here agreed to shake hands, sending the J&K camp into delirium.
There will be chaos within the team and across the snow-clad region, now. But this time, it will be more joyous in nature.
Meanwhie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team on Saturday for its first-ever Ranji Trophy win and said the historic triumph reflects the players’ remarkable grit, discipline and passion, and is a proud moment for locals.
Modi hoped that this feat will inspire many young athletes to dream big. “Congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir team for their first ever Ranji Trophy win! This historic triumph reflects remarkable grit, discipline and passion of the team. It is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and it highlights the growing sporting passion and talent there,” he said in a post on X.
Jammu and Kashmir clinched its maiden Ranji Trophy title on the basis of the first innings’ lead after the final match against Karnataka ended in a draw in Hubballi on Saturday.
Jammu and Kashmir made its debut 67 years ago in India’s premier domestic competition, which is now 92 years old.
Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday congratulated Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for winning maiden Ranji Trophy title, calling it a moment that fills every citizen with immense pride.
“On Jammu and Kashmir winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time ever, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every youth of the region and especially to Team J&K that scripted this history,” he said in a message posted on X.
The home minister said it is a moment that fills every citizen with immense pride and mirrors the reality that the new changes that have swept Jammu and Kashmir are the new identity of its youth.
“The mantras of peace, progress and prosperity are the driving force of the New Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Jammu and Kashmir clinched its maiden Ranji Trophy title on the basis of first innings’ lead after the final against Karnataka ended in draw in Hubballi on Saturday.
Jammu and Kashmir made its debut 67 years ago in India’s premier domestic competition, which is now 92 years old.
Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday congratulated the Union territory’s Ranji team for its maiden title triumph in Karnataka’s Hubballi, saying the players have scripted a historic victory in golden letters and brought pride and honour to the region.
The Paras Dogra-led team scripted an extraordinary tale of resilience in Indian domestic cricket to claim their maiden Ranji Trophy title on the basis of a first-innings lead, after the final against eight-time champions Karnataka ended in a draw.
Celebrations erupted across the Union territory, with firecrackers, beats of dholaks and drums reverberating through streets and sweets being distributed in the twin capital cities and other areas from where team members hail.
“They’ve done it. Well done J&K,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in a post on his personal handle on X immediately after the team’s win. Abdullah had travelled to Hubballi to cheer for the team.
His party, the National Conference (NC), described the winter as historic glory. “Historic glory for the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team in the Ranji Trophy! You have made every Jammu & Kashmiri resident proud with your grit and brilliance,” the party said on X.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha termed the win as the “finest hour”, saying the victory has filled the entire UT with pride and emotion.
“Emotions surging beyond words as I watch our Cricket team claiming the Ranji Trophy. To every fierce player who carved history through sheer grit: thank you from entire UT beaming with pride. You have immortalized history—embrace it with honor,” the Lt Governor said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, PDP president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said the players “both from Kashmir and Jammu” reflect the strength of unity, and the win sends a strong message against forces attempting to divide people along religious lines.
“Today is truly a very blessed day for our Jammu and Kashmir. In my opinion, it is a slap on the faces of those forces who try to divide Hindus and Muslims and create conflict between them,” Mufti told reporters on the sidelines of a party function in Katra township of Reasi district.
“They have shown that when we move forward together, when Hindus and Muslims stand united, we can achieve great things not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire country,” the PDP leader said.
All India Congress General Secretary and Leader of the Congress Legislature Party Ghulam Ahmad Mir also congratulated the team on behalf of the party. Thanking the players and the team management, he said the side has etched its success in golden letters. “They have made us proud and honoured us with their grand victory,” Mir said.
J&K BJP chief and MP Sat Sharma, too, extended greetings and said, “They (the team) have not only made us proud with such a massive win but have also opened new pathways for cricket in the country.”
The UT cabinet ministers also congratulated the team.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the win would boost the morale of players in other sports as well. “It is a matter of great pride for J&K that its boys have won the Ranji Trophy final. Their achievement will inspire the next generation and give a fillip to sports promotion in the region,” he said.
Cabinet minister Sakina Itoo emphasised that the victory “reflects the talent, resilience, and determination of our youth.”
Itoo said the win stands as a symbol of unity, hope, and collective pride for Jammu & Kashmir, inspiring every young dreamer across our regions to believe in their potential.
“Wishing the team continued success in bringing more glory to J&K” she said.
Peoples’ Conference led by Sajad Lone said it was a monumental moment in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This triumph is not just a victory on the field, but a testament to resilience, discipline and the indomitable spirit of our youth. You have made the entire region proud and inspired a generation to dream bigger,” the party said.
ailed Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid’s Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) termed the victory a proud and defining moment for the youth of the region.
In a statement, a party spokesman said the remarkable triumph reflects the talent, determination and resilience of J&K’s young cricketers who have brought immense pride and joy to people across the Union Territory.
“This historic achievement has shown that given opportunity and support, the youth of Jammu & Kashmir can excel at the highest level,” he said.
The win also triggered celebrations at the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) headquarters and at the homes of players, where neighbours and relatives gathered to share the historic moment.
“This is a landmark achievement for J&K cricket. The players have shown discipline, belief and resilience throughout the season,” a JKCA official said, adding, “It is the result of consistent hard work at the grassroots level.”
CM announces Rs 2 Cr cash reward for team
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore for the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team following its maiden Ranji Trophy triumph.
Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, he said, the landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration.
In a post on X, Abdullah announced a cash reward of 2 crore for the players and support staff after their “emphatic” victory over Karnataka on their home turf.
Abdullah on Friday dashed to Hubbali in Karnataka to cheer for the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team which had taken a massive first innings lead and was almost certain of lifting the trophy for the first time.
“The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons,” Abdullah said.
CM Abdullah, who was present at the stadium to witness the historic occasion, met the players after the match and congratulated them personally.
He applauded Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra for their remarkable innings and commended Auqib Nabi for his match-winning spells, noting that his disciplined bowling was instrumental in steering the team to the title.
Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq and Members of JKCA accompanied the Chief Minister.
Jammu and Kashmir made their debut in India’s premier domestic competition 67 years ago. Despite reaching the quarterfinals in previous seasons, the elusive championship had remained out of reach — until now.
Long road to title, focus on stadias now: Manhas
BCCI president Mithun Manhas was elated to see Jammu and Kashmir landing their maiden Ranji Trophy title, but his pragmatic mind has already zeroed in on the construction of new stadiums in the valley to take the cricket further forward.
After 67 years of toil, Jammu and Kashmir held eight-time champions Karnataka to a draw and bagged the coveted title by virtue of a massive 291-run first inning lead.
“It took us 67 years. It’s been a long journey to title. I’m very thankful to BCCI for giving us a state of the art facility academy in Jammu where we’ll be having indoor facilities, swimming pool, gymnasium and the same we will be doing in Kashmir,” Manhas said in a select media interaction after the Ranji Trophy final here on Saturday.
“Now, what we want is the stadiums coming up in both the places — Jammu and Kashmir, and not only in J&K for that matter, in Rajouri, Poonch and Chenab as well because this team has got players from everywhere.
“So that’s the need of the hour and the elections are going to happen now. Hopefully, we’ll get the funds from the BCCI,” he added.
Manhas, who has a long association with cricket in J&K, lauded skipper Paras Dogra for bringing a sense of calm to the team’s dressing room.
Manhas had roped in Dogra as J&K skipper when the former was working with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).
“We were looking for a captain. I think in Paras we found the right captain. He’s coming from Himachal, he knows the conditions in J&K pretty well. He’s played a lot of cricket in England, which makes him a thorough professional.
“He’s the kind of guy who is rarely aggressive. He’s very calm, quiet, and goes about his business in a very structured and meticulous way. So that was one calming effect we had in the dressing room,” Manhas said.
“You know, we northern boys are very aggressive with each other. That’s how we are. But he had one calming effect. So, I think everything started falling in place for us,” he noted.
Jay Shah’s vision for J&K cricket
The former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who is currently heading the International Cricket Council, took special attention to improve the standards of cricket, Manhas revealed.
“The association before us, they tried their level best. But the real game-changer happened when the BCCI formed the sub-committee way back in 2021. We are very thankful to Jai bhai and his vision, the way he made this committee, keeping in mind the administration part, the cricketing part, and involving the right players.”
In fact, Shah visited the region extensively during his tenure at BCCI to get first-hand knowledge of J & K cricket.
“He was the first secretary in the history of J&K in 67 years to come to Jammu and see the facilities himself. Once he was there and he showed us his full support, things started moving in the right direction.
“We got a lot of flak way back because of the system. There used to be a quota of 8 (players) from Srinagar and 8 from Jammu. We never believed in such a system. There’s only one quota and that is merit for us.
“Before us, in a season, there used to be 28 players or 30 players. But once we got involved, we saw that the system had to be set in place.”
Manhas said Shah’s idea of forming the Cricket Advisory Committee had a cathartic influence on J&K cricket.
“We formed a CAC to start with. That included Abdul Qayyum from Kashmir, the premier fast bowler. He’s played about 48 matches. He was a star bowler for J&K. Then we involved Ashwini Gupta who’s played about 78 first-class games.
“There’s a female cricketer who played at the highest level — Rupali, so all were involved. Then luckily we were able to find good selectors. I think all the selectors we have now, they’ve played for J&K. The minimum matches that they’ve played is 35. They’ve captained J&K and they’ve played for North Zone as well.
“So we got in all the competitors who had the experience and who knew what it takes to rise. So once the system was in place, we all started moving in the right direction.”
Manhas then explained how the Shah-led panel made on-ground changes to improve the quality of cricket in the valley.
“Now the challenge that we got was that we were doing well in North Zone and East Zone matches. But we were not up to the mark when we played in West and South. So, we imported the red soil from Maharashtra and we made wickets.
“Now we have about 10-12 red soil wickets and 10-12 black soil wickets. So, the process was still on but we made sure that we played on the right tracks and the right things needed to be done.
“Then what we did was we played with the SG Test balls. All the camps that we conducted were with the SG balls and Kookaburra balls for the players to get used to it.”
