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J&K's Historic Ranji Trophy Win Ends 67-Year Wait, Jay Shah Hails Triumph

The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team has made history by winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time, ending a 67-year wait. They defeated the powerhouse Karnataka team by virtue of a massive 291-run first-innings lead. ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated the team, highlighting the story of grit and the contributions of the entire support ecosystem. Key performances from Shubham Pundir, Auqib Nabi, Qamran Iqbal, and Sahil Lotra were instrumental in the landmark victory.

Key Points: J&K Wins Historic Ranji Trophy, Jay Shah Congratulates Team

  • J&K wins first Ranji Trophy after 67-year wait
  • Defeats eight-time champion Karnataka
  • Victory secured by massive first-innings lead
  • Jay Shah praises players and support staff
2 min read

Jay Shah lauds J&K's historic Ranji Trophy win

Jammu & Kashmir cricket team wins its first Ranji Trophy after 67 years. ICC Chairman Jay Shah praises the team's grit and perseverance in a landmark victory.

"Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team... for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance. - Jay Shah"

New Delhi, February 28

The International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team after their triumph in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 finals, describing it as a remarkable example of grit and perseverance.

The Paras Dogra-led Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have scripted a fairytale ending to their 67-year wait, 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.

Taking to his X account, Shah praised not just the players but the entire ecosystem that worked behind the scenes.

"Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance. While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from J&K who have toiled behind the scenes to fashion this landmark achievement. I am sure that this win will ignite belief in the hearts of the current generation from the region and drive the next one to pick up a bat or ball. Our sport is rich with such stories of inspiration from around the world, and I hope this one also receives its fair share of admiration," he wrote.

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

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Priya S
Absolutely thrilled! Beating a giant like Karnataka in the final is no small feat. Shubham Pundir and Auqib Nabi were phenomenal. Jay Shah is right to highlight the support staff too. Hope the BCCI ensures this momentum continues with proper infrastructure and coaching in the region.
R
Rohit P
Finally, some positive news from Jammu & Kashmir that unites the whole country. Cricket has that power. 67 years of wait is over! Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Sarah B
As someone who follows domestic cricket closely, this is huge. The Ranji Trophy is brutally competitive. For a team with limited historical success to dominate a final like this... it's a testament to their hard work. Fantastic story.
V
Vikram M
Great win, no doubt. But let's be honest, the praise from Jay Shah feels a bit standard. The real test is whether this leads to sustained investment and more players from J&K breaking into the national team. We've seen such stories fade before. Hope this time it's different.
K
Kavya N
So proud! My cousin coaches at a school in Srinagar and he says cricket academies are buzzing today. This is the kind of achievement that changes perceptions and gives genuine hope. Well done, boys! 👏

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