Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir made history in the country’s domestic cricket, claiming its maiden Ranji Trophy title by out-batting traditional heavyweights Karnataka at Hubballi on Saturday.
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.
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.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended his heartiest congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Team for the historic maiden Ranji Trophy title victory.
The Lieutenant Governor hailed the achievement as a defining moment in the Union Territory’s sporting history. He praised the players and the coaching staff for their extraordinary performance, and dedication throughout the tournament.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who watched the innings at Hubballi, announced a ₹2 crore cash reward for the players and support staff.
Describing the triumph as a defining chapter for J&K cricket, the Chief Minister said the victory has ignited celebrations across the region and inspired a new generation of young sportspersons.
He further declared that members of the title-winning squad would be eligible for government appointments under the newly notified policy for outstanding athletes.
Facing eight-time champions Karnataka on their home ground, J&K showcased grit and composure to secure the trophy on the strength of a commanding 291-run first-innings lead. The team tightened its grip on the contest by piling up 342/4 in the second innings, stretching the overall advantage to 633 runs by the end of the fifth and final day at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubballi.
Opener Qamran Iqbal led from the front with an unbeaten 160 — his second century in first-class cricket — while Sahil Lotra struck a fluent maiden hundred (101 not out), ensuring J&K remained firmly in control.
With the ball, Auqib Nabi once again proved decisive.
The pacer claimed a five-wicket haul for the seventh time this season, underlining his consistency and impact throughout the campaign.
Chief Minister Omar 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.
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.
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.
NC president Farooq Abdullah described the victory as a moment of immense pride and joy for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The team’s remarkable performance throughout the tournament reflects their dedication, discipline and indomitable spirit, he said.
Abdullah lauded the players for their resilience and commitment, noting that their achievement has brought great honour to the region on the national stage.
The NC chief also congratulated the coaches, support staff, selectors and the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association for their tireless efforts in grooming and guiding the team.
He emphasized that this victory is a testament to the hard work being put into strengthening sports infrastructure and nurturing young talent in Jammu and Kashmir.
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 Gani 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.
Jailed 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.” (With inputs from PTI)
