NewKerala.com

J&K's Historic Ranji Trophy Win: A Triumph of Structure and Spread of Cricket

The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team has secured its maiden Ranji Trophy title, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka on first-innings lead in Hubli. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia congratulated the team, framing the win as proof of cricket's deep spread across India. He credited the victory to sustained BCCI efforts and a structured roadmap laid by former secretary and current ICC Chair Jay Shah. The historic final featured a century from Shubham Pundir and a five-wicket haul by Auqib Nabi Dar.

Key Points: J&K Wins Maiden Ranji Trophy, BCCI Credits Jay Shah's Vision

  • J&K wins first-ever Ranji Trophy
  • BCCI credits long-term planning & Jay Shah's vision
  • Victory sealed via massive first-innings lead
  • Standout performances from Shubham Pundir & Auqib Nabi Dar
2 min read

'Indian cricket continues to flourish': Devajit Saikia on J&K's historic Ranji Trophy win

Jammu & Kashmir clinch their first Ranji Trophy title. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia highlights structured planning and Jay Shah's roadmap for the historic win.

"Indian cricket continues to flourish - Devajit Saikia"

Hubli, Feb 28

Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Devajit Saikia has congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir team for winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title, describing the historic triumph as a shining example of how deeply the game has spread across India despite challenging conditions. Saikia also said that this win is a prime example of how cricket is flourishing in the country.

'Heartiest congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team for winning its maiden Ranji Trophy at Hubli today. It is a classic instance of how well the game of cricket is spread across India despite challenging conditions,' Saikia wrote on X.

Highlighting the role of long-term planning and administrative support, the BCCI secretary credited the board's sustained efforts and the vision of its former secretary and current International Cricket Council (ICC) chair Jay Shah for laying the foundation of the team's success.

"Relentless efforts of the BCCI and its former secretary and present ICC Chair, Mr Jay Shah, laid the roadmap through a three-member sub-committee that has been in place since June 2021 to manage cricket activities in the region. That structured approach has made this glorious success possible... Indian cricket continues to flourish," he said.

J&K scripted history at the Hubli Cricket Ground by clinching the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 title based on a massive first-innings lead against eight-time champions Karnataka. After piling up a formidable 584 in their first innings, Jammu & Kashmir bowled Karnataka out for 293 to take a decisive 291-run lead.

Paras Dogra's team further underlined their dominance by declaring their second innings at 342/4, powered by a marathon unbeaten 160 from opener Qamran Iqbal and an unbroken century stand with Sahil Lotra, before the match ended in a draw and the title was awarded on first-innings lead.

The final was defined by several standout performances. Shubham Pundir struck a historic unbeaten century in the first innings, becoming the first batter from Jammu & Kashmir to score a hundred in a Ranji Trophy final, while Sahil Lotra impressed with consistent runs across both innings.

With the ball, Auqib Nabi Dar delivered a match-defining spell, claiming a five-wicket haul and removing key Karnataka batters to ensure the opposition never recovered from the early damage, despite a valiant century from Karnataka's former captain Mayank Agarwal.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in Delhi, I'm thrilled to see new champions emerge. Beating Karnataka, an 8-time champion, in their own backyard is no small feat. The BCCI's structured approach seems to be working. More power to the J&K team!
V
Vikram M
While the win is fantastic and deserves all the praise, I hope the credit is shared with the players and local coaches who toiled for years, not just the administrators in Mumbai. The article reads a bit like a BCCI press release. The real heroes are the boys on the field.
P
Priya S
This is huge! My cousin coaches at a academy in Srinagar and he's been messaging non-stop about the celebration there. Cricket truly unites us. Qamran Iqbal's unbeaten 160 was a masterclass in patience. Can't wait to see some of these players in the IPL soon!
R
Rohit P
Historic win, no doubt. But let's not forget the tough conditions these players often face compared to metros. Limited facilities, harsh winters... their triumph is even sweeter because of that. Salute to the entire team and support staff. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
Following cricket from Australia, this is wonderful news. The Ranji Trophy is such a tough competition. For a team to win its first title by dominating a giant like Karnataka shows the incredible depth Indian cricket is building. Well done, J&K!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50