J&K win first Ranji Trophy; Omar announces ₹2 crore reward, jobs for players

The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team scripted history by clinching its maiden title in the prestigious Ranji Trophy, outplaying the star-studded Karnataka side in all facets of the game at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Ground in Hubballi.

The significance of this victory can be gauged from the fact that Prime Minister Narenda Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hailed the historic achievement.

On the basis of their massive first-innings lead, Jammu and Kashmir were declared winners of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26. The match ended in a draw, with both teams agreeing to conclude play on day five when J&K were 324 for four in their second innings, thereby sealing the championship.

Jammu and Kashmir cricket team played their first Ranji Trophy match way back in the year 1960. However, their first victory in the competition came only in their 99th match in 1982. J&K’s fortunes have been on a steady rise in the past decade or so. They reached the quarterfinals in 2013-14, 2019-20, and 2024-25 seasons.

During the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final, from day one of the five-day match, the Jammu and Kashmir side, led by seasoned campaigner Paras Dogra, seized control and steadily pushed Karnataka onto the back foot. Playing their first-ever Ranji final, J&K displayed remarkable composure and dominance throughout the contest.

After posting a commanding 584 in their first innings and bowling Karnataka out for 293, J&K established a decisive lead. They later finished strongly in the second innings to ensure an unassailable advantage and secure the title.

As the result was confirmed, jubilant scenes unfolded at the ground, with players celebrating to the beats of the dhol. Head coach Ajay Sharma shared the joyous moment with the squad, smiling broadly as he joined the celebrations.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present at the venue, expressed immense pride as Jammu and Kashmir were crowned Ranji champions, ending a 67-year wait for the elusive title.

Shubham Pundir’s crucial century laid the foundation for the historic victory, while pacer Auqib Nabi’s seventh five-wicket haul of the season further dented Karnataka’s hopes. J&K’s calculated and disciplined approach with both bat and ball reflected their steady rise in red-ball cricket.

From being considered underdogs to lifting the coveted Ranji Trophy, Jammu and Kashmir’s triumph stands as a testament to grit, belief, and the growing cricketing excellence in the Union Territory.

Prime Minister, Home Minister congratulate J&K team

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for creating history by winning first ever Ranji Trophy tournament.

“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. It is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it highlights the growing sporting passion and talent there. May this feat inspire many young athletes to dream big and play more”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on his social media post.

“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”, Amit Shah posted on his social media handle.

“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”, he further stated.

CM Omar travels to Hubballi to cheer J&K team

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah travelled to Hubballi, Karnataka, to witness the final day of the Ranji Trophy final as the Jammu and Kashmir team stood on the brink of history.

Calling it a defining moment for J&K cricket, the Chief Minister said he had personally come to cheer the team as they moved towards sealing a historic victory. “I am in Hubballi to cheer the J&K cricket team as they seal a historic win. There hasn’t been a single day in this five-day final when the team has not dominated the opposition,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister arrived in Karnataka on Friday evening to lend his support in what is being hailed as a landmark chapter in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, and the Administrator of the J&K Cricket Association accompanied him.

Lieutenant Governor congratulates J&K team

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title.

Hailing the achievement as a defining moment in the Union Territory’s sporting history, he praised the players and coaching staff for their extraordinary performance and dedication throughout the tournament.

In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor said, “J&K’s finest hour has arrived. Emotions surge beyond words as I watch our cricket team claim the Ranji Trophy. To every fierce player who carved history through sheer grit, thank you from the entire UT beaming with pride. You have immortalised history—embrace it with honour.”

He further stated, “I am grateful for the UT’s sporting revolution ignited under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership post-2019. To all youth: let this blaze ignite your horizon. Train relentlessly and fiercely. Build on this win to pioneer eras of dominance—J&K’s unstoppable future starts with you.”

₹2 crore incentive, government jobs for champions: Omar rewards Team J&K

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced a cash award of ₹2 crore for Team J&K in recognition of their historic Ranji Trophy title win against Karnataka.

In a message shared on X, the Chief Minister extended congratulations to the players and support staff, praising their dominant performance on Karnataka’s home ground and describing the achievement as a defining chapter in J&K’s cricketing journey.

He said the milestone victory has ignited pride across the Union Territory and inspired aspiring sportspersons, underlining the steady rise of Jammu and Kashmir in the national cricket arena.

The Chief Minister also announced that members of the victorious squad will be eligible for government jobs under the newly notified policy for outstanding sportspersons, reiterating the administration’s resolve to promote and reward sporting talent in the region.

Brief Scores: Jammu and Kashmir 584 and 342/4d (Q Iqbal 159*, S Lotra 101*; P Krishna 2/42) lead Karnataka (293) by 633 runs.