Jammu Kashmir’s Maiden Ranji Trophy: Praises Pour From All Sides | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir scripted one of the most remarkable chapters in Indian domestic cricket by clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title, drawing congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the BCCI leadership, ICC Chairman Jay Shah and an array of India’s leading cricketers past and present.

The historic victory came at the KSCA Ground in Hubballi, where JK defeated eight-time champions Karnataka in the 2025–26 final on the basis of a massive first-innings lead, sealing the championship after 67 years of participation in India’s premier red-ball competition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national applause, calling the achievement a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir team for their first-ever Ranji Trophy win. This historic triumph reflects the remarkable grit, discipline, and passion of the team,” he wrote on X, adding that the feat should inspire young athletes in the region to “dream big and play more.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the win a moment of 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 JK that scripted this history,” he said, adding that it reflects the aspirations and energy of the region’s youth.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who travelled to Hubballi to witness the final, described the victory as a defining moment in J&lK’s cricketing journey and announced a Rs 2 crore cash reward for the team. “There hasn’t been a single day in this five-day final when the team has not dominated the opposition,” he said, also confirming that members of the victorious squad would be eligible for government jobs under the sports policy for outstanding sportspersons.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the moment as JK’s “finest hour,” stating that the players had “carved history through sheer grit” and ignited pride across the Union Territory.

On the field, Jammu and Kashmir delivered a commanding performance. They amassed 584 in their first innings, with Shubham Pundir’s century laying the foundation. Karnataka were bowled out for 293, conceding a decisive 291-run lead, as pacer Auqib Nabi Dar claimed another five-wicket haul to cap a stellar season.

In the second innings, Qamran Iqbal struck an unbeaten 159 and Sahil Lotra brought up his maiden first-class century, guiding JK to 342/4 before skipper Paras Dogra declared. With a 633-run overall lead and time running out, the match ended in a draw, handing JK the title on the strength of their dominant first-innings advantage.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia termed the win “a classic instance of how well the game of cricket is spread across India despite challenging conditions.” ICC Chairman Jay Shah called it “a remarkable story of grit and perseverance,” adding, “While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators… I am sure that this win will ignite belief in the hearts of the current generation.”

The cricketing fraternity responded in unison, with several legends posting congratulatory messages.

Batting icon Sachin Tendulkar wrote, “The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions’ kits. To see Jammu Kashmir’s journey from being an enabler of champions, to becoming champions themselves, is beautiful… A historic moment for the team, coaches, and support staff.”

Former opener Virender Sehwag said, “Heartiest congratulations to the entire Jammu Kashmir cricket team on winning the Ranji Trophy! What a historic and well-deserved achievement! You have shown that talent knows no boundaries.”

Off-spin great Ravichandran Ashwin observed, “These teams have found a way to prepare well with a unified goal in mind as a team… In time JK would also be seeing representations from this championship winning side.”

Veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh wrote, “Will to win, that’s what matter. What a day for Jammu Kashmir… winning Ranji Trophy isn’t easy at all. They have played terrific cricket throughout the season and played like a unit.”

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan posted, “My heart is full. Many congratulations Jammu Kashmir cricket for winning the first Ranji trophy. Many more trophies to come.”

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan termed it a “Historic moment for Jammu Kashmir cricket,” adding that it was built on “strong leadership from Paras Dogra and a remarkable season with the ball from Auqib Nabi.”

Among others, Yuvraj Singh called it “Unbelievable! History has been written today!” while Ajinkya Rahane described it as “a special moment for the team, the state, and everyone who believed in the journey.”

Congratulatory messages also poured in from Yusuf Pathan, who termed it a “truly inspiring and proud achievement,” Mohammad Kaif, who said, “More players from JK will now believe that they too can do it,” Jaydev Unadkat, who called it “a testimony to the high-standards of our domestic cricket,” Dinesh Karthik, who described it as “a monumental moment for the state and domestic cricket,” Shreevats Goswami, who said it was “a huge moment for them and India as well,” and commentator Aakash Chopra, who wrote, “Jammu Kashmir, you beauty. The story for the ages.”

From playing their first Ranji Trophy match in 1960 to lifting the coveted trophy in 2026, Jammu and Kashmir’s journey has been long and arduous. Their steady rise over the past decade culminated in a dominant final against Karnataka, and as celebrations erupted in Hubballi, the victory stood as a transformative moment not only for the team but for Indian domestic cricket as a whole.