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J&K's Historic Ranji Trophy Win Ends 67-Year Wait, Amit Shah Lauds Team

The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team has made history by winning its first-ever Ranji Trophy title, ending a 67-year wait. They defeated the formidable Karnataka team by virtue of a massive 291-run first-innings lead in the final. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the team, with Shah stating the victory mirrors the new changes and identity of the region's youth. The win was powered by centuries from Shubham Pundir, Qamran Iqbal, and Sahil Lotra, along with a five-wicket haul from pacer Auqib Nabi.

Key Points: J&K Wins First Ranji Trophy, Amit Shah & LG Sinha Hail Victory

  • J&K wins first Ranji Trophy in 67 years
  • Victory secured by massive first-innings lead
  • Amit Shah links win to region's "peace, progress, prosperity"
  • Key performances from Shubham Pundir and Auqib Nabi
3 min read

Home Minister Amit Shah lauds J-K's historic Ranji Trophy triumph

Jammu & Kashmir cricket team wins its first-ever Ranji Trophy title after 67 years, defeating Karnataka. Amit Shah and Manoj Sinha congratulate the historic triumph.

"It is a moment that fills every citizen with immense pride - Amit Shah"

Jammu, February 28

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the Jammu and Kashmir team after their historic Ranji Trophy triumph on Saturday.

Shah congratulated every youth of the region, especially the J&K cricket team, saying it is a moment that fills every citizen with immense pride.

Paras Dogra-led Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) ended a 67-year wait for the Ranji Trophy title defeating the powerhouse Karnataka. Playing their first-ever Ranji final, Jammu and Kashmir were crowned champions by virtue of their massive 291-run first-innings lead, a gap that proved insurmountable for the eight-time champions, Karnataka, led by Devdutt Padikkal.

"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. 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," Shah said in a post on X.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also congratulated the J-K cricket team on their historic triumph and felt that over the past 4-5 years, Jammu and Kashmir has made significant progress in the field of sports.

"I want to congratulate the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team wholeheartedly. This is a moment of pride for all of us... Congratulations to all the players. Over the past 4-5 years, Jammu and Kashmir has made significant progress in the field of sports... Not just in this final match, but if we look at their overall performance, we can say that their performance has been outstanding. Now the need is for more and more players from Jammu and Kashmir to get opportunities in the Indian team," Sinha told ANI.

Coming to the match, J&K opted to bat first and piled on a mammoth 584, led by Shubham Pundir's century (121). Auqib Nabi's devastating pace attack (5-wicket haul) then bundled out Karnataka for 293, handing J&K a crucial first-innings lead.

Mayank Agarwal's fighting 160 for Karnataka wasn't enough, and J&K extended their lead to 291. Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra slammed hundreds in J&K's second innings, pushing the lead to 633. The match ended in a draw on Day 5, but J&K's first-innings lead secured them the win.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is fantastic news! Sports truly has the power to bring positivity and hope. While the Home Minister's words are appreciated, the real heroes are the players who practiced for years on often basic grounds. I hope this win leads to better sports infrastructure and coaching academies in J&K. The talent has always been there.
V
Vikram M
Beating Karnataka, an 8-time champion, is no small feat! This shows the sheer determination of the J&K team. LG Sinha is right – we need to see more players from the region in the national team. Let's hope selectors are watching. Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra's centuries in the second innings were the final nail. Well done, boys!
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Michael C
As a cricket fan from abroad, this is an incredible story. The Ranji Trophy is so competitive. To come through as first-time finalists and win is remarkable. The scorecard is dominant – a 291-run first innings lead is massive. Heartening to see such positive news from Jammu & Kashmir. Congratulations!
R
Rohit P
While I join in the celebrations, I respectfully disagree with linking this purely to "new changes." This victory is the result of decades of hard work by players, local coaches, and the JKCA. Let's give credit where it's truly due – to the grit of these young men on the field, not just political narratives. The win itself is the identity.
S
Shreya B
So proud! 🇮🇳 This is the kind of headline we love to see from J&K.

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