Historic Ranji Trophy Victory for Jammu and Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for their first Ranji Trophy victory, marking a significant milestone in their sports history. The team triumphed over Karnataka in a thrilling final, showcasing remarkable skill and determination. This victory not only ends a 67-year wait for the title but also highlights the growing sporting culture in Jammu and Kashmir. With standout performances from players like Shubham Pundir and Auqib Nabi, the match concluded with J&K securing their win through a substantial first-innings lead. This achievement is expected to inspire future generations of athletes in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 20:04 IST

PM Modi Celebrates J&K's Historic Ranji Trophy Win

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for achieving their inaugural Ranji Trophy victory, emphasizing their exceptional determination, discipline, and enthusiasm.

Jammu and Kashmir concluded a remarkable 67-year journey by defeating the formidable Karnataka team in the Ranji Trophy final held in Hubballi.

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed, "Congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir team for their first-ever Ranji Trophy win! This historic achievement showcases the team's incredible grit, discipline, and passion. It is a moment of pride for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the increasing sporting enthusiasm and talent in the region. May this accomplishment inspire many young athletes to aspire for greatness and engage in sports more actively."

J&K Claims Their First Title with a Dominant First-Innings Lead

In their debut Ranji final, Jammu and Kashmir secured the championship title due to a commanding first-innings lead of 291 runs, a margin that proved too great for the eight-time champions, Karnataka.

Match Highlights: Key Performers for J&K

In the match, Jammu and Kashmir chose to bat first, amassing an impressive total of 584 runs, spearheaded by Shubham Pundir's century (121 runs). Auqib Nabi's exceptional bowling performance (5 wickets) then dismissed Karnataka for 293, granting J&K a vital first-innings advantage.

Despite Mayank Agarwal's valiant effort of 160 runs for Karnataka, it was insufficient as J&K increased their lead to 291 runs. In their second innings, Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra both scored centuries, pushing the lead to 633 runs. The match concluded in a draw on Day 5, but J&K's first-innings lead ensured their victory.