Jammu and Kashmir Claims Historic First Ranji Trophy Title

Jammu and Kashmir has made history by winning its first Ranji Trophy title, defeating Karnataka in a thrilling final. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a ₹2 crore reward for the players and support staff, celebrating this monumental achievement. The cricketing community, including former players like Shikhar Dhawan and Madan Lal, praised the team's remarkable performance. With standout contributions from players like Shubham Pundir and Auqib Nabi, this victory marks a significant milestone for cricket in the region. Discover more about this historic win and its implications for the future of Jammu and Kashmir cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 16:06 IST

Celebrating a Historic Victory

The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, along with former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and 1983 World Cup champion Madan Lal, celebrated Jammu and Kashmir's remarkable first Ranji Trophy title after they triumphed over Karnataka in the final match of the 2025-26 season.

Under the leadership of Paras Dogra, Jammu and Kashmir ended a 67-year wait for this prestigious title, defeating the formidable Karnataka team. Their victory was secured by a significant first-innings lead of 291 runs, a gap that proved too great for the eight-time champions.

Omar Abdullah Rewards the Team

In a post on X, Omar Abdullah expressed his pride, stating, "They've done it. Well done J&K. #ranjitrophy2026 #RanjiTrophyFinal." Following the victory, he announced a cash reward of ₹2 crore for the players and support staff, emphasizing the importance of this win for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. He described it as a pivotal moment that has inspired pride throughout the region. Additionally, players will be eligible for government jobs under new regulations for outstanding athletes.

Praise from the Cricket Community

Shikhar Dhawan commended the team's achievement, highlighting the leadership of Paras Dogra and the impressive performance of bowler Auqib Nabi. He noted, "Historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Maiden Ranji Trophy title built on belief, strong leadership from Paras Dogra and a remarkable season with the ball from Auqib Nabi. Big contributions from Shubham Pundir, Yawer Hassan, Qamran Iqbal, Sahil Lotra, Abdul Samad and the entire unit. Proud moment," in his X post.

Madan Lal, a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, also congratulated Jammu and Kashmir, stating, "Congratulations to J&K winning the first Ranji trophy title. The players will remember this forever. Now the real cricket starts in J&K. Youngsters will look up to their heroes."

Dominance in the Final Match

Jammu and Kashmir's victory was built on a solid foundation during the first two days of the match. They scored an impressive 584 runs in their first innings, led by Shubham Pundir's 121 runs, with significant contributions from Yawer Hassan (88), Paras Dogra (70), Abdul Samad (61), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), and Sahil Lotra (72).

Despite J&K's dominance, Karnataka's Prasidh Krishna stood out with figures of 5/98. However, Karnataka's batting lineup, featuring international stars like KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, faltered under pressure, with only Agarwal scoring a notable 160 runs. They were ultimately bowled out for 293, giving Jammu and Kashmir a commanding lead.

In their second innings, J&K continued their strong performance with Qamran Iqbal scoring an unbeaten 160 and Sahil Lotra contributing 101 not out, leading to a declaration at 342/4, resulting in a total lead of 633 runs.

Awards for Outstanding Performances

Shubham Pundir was named Player of the Match for his century in the first innings, while Auqib Nabi received the Player of the Series award for taking 55 wickets across eight matches during the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season.

This victory is particularly significant as Jammu and Kashmir entered the tournament as underdogs, defeating former champions such as Delhi, Rajasthan, and Bengal to reach the final.