Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 132nd edition of his monthly radio broadcast Mann Ki Baat, lauded the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for scripting history by winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title this year.
While expressing pride over India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Prime Minister also highlighted the remarkable achievement of the Jammu and Kashmir team in clinching the Ranji Trophy for the first time.
“This month has been full of excitement and enthusiasm for cricket fans across the country. When India achieved a historic victory in the T20 World Cup, a wave of joy swept across the nation. We are all very proud of our team’s thumping success,” the prime minister said.
“Late last month, a thrilling match was witnessed in Hubballi, Karnataka. By winning this match, the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team secured the Ranji Trophy. It is most heartening to note that, after a long wait of nearly seven decades, the team has achieved its first Ranji Trophy title,” he added in his Mann Ki Baat address.
PM Appreciates J&K Captain Paras Dogra, Bowler Aaqib Nabi
The Prime Minister said the unprecedented success was the result of years of consistent effort by the players.
“Team captain Paras Dogra displayed extraordinary skills. Through his leadership, he played a significant role in this victory. The performance of young Kashmiri bowler Aaqib Nabi, who took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy, is being talked about nationwide,” he said.
India is proud of the Jammu and Kashmir team for their historic Ranji Trophy win. This will have a very positive impact in J&K and inspire many others to pursue sports. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/UI6NQJAUhg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 29, 2026
“This victory has thrilled not only the players and coaching staff but also the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This impressive performance has further boosted enthusiasm for sports among the youth,” he added.
“In the future, it will inspire many young people to take up sports. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have a tremendous passion for sports,” he said.
“I am glad that the region is now emerging as a hub for major sporting events. Gulmarg has already established itself as a host of the Khelo India Winter Games. Sports like football are also very popular among the youth there. I hope this winning streak of Jammu and Kashmir sportspersons continues in the future,” he further said.
J&K Lifted Maiden Ranji Trophy on February 28
The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team scripted history by clinching their maiden title in the prestigious Ranji Trophy, defeating a star-studded Karnataka side at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Ground in Hubballi on February 28 this year.
The significance of this victory can be gauged from the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah all 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 5 when J&K were 324 for four in their second innings, thereby sealing the championship.
The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team played their first Ranji Trophy match in 1960. However, their first victory in the competition came only in their 99th match in 1982. Their fortunes have steadily improved over the past decade, with appearances in the quarterfinals in the 2013–14, 2019–20, and 2024–25 seasons.
From being considered underdogs to lifting the coveted Ranji Trophy, Jammu and Kashmir’s triumph stands as a testament to grit, belief, and the region’s growing cricketing excellence.
PM, Home Minister Had Earlier Congratulated J&K Team
On February 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for creating history by winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title.
“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 highlights the growing sporting talent in the region. May this feat inspire many young athletes to dream big and play more,” the Prime Minister posted on social media.
“On Jammu and Kashmir winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time ever, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every youth of the region, especially to Team J&K that scripted this history,” Amit Shah posted.
“It is a moment that fills every citizen with immense pride and reflects the new identity of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The mantras of peace, progress, and prosperity are the driving force of the New Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
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