Jammu and Kashmir Claims Historic Ranji Trophy Title

Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a historic milestone by winning its first Ranji Trophy title, defeating multi-time champions Karnataka in a thrilling final that ended in a draw. Key players like Aquib Nabi and Abdul Samad played pivotal roles in this victory, showcasing the region's cricketing talent. This achievement marks a significant moment in J&K's cricketing journey, highlighting the potential of its players on a national level. With a strong support system and a rich talent pool, the future looks bright for Jammu and Kashmir cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 1, 2026, 21:52 IST

Historic Achievement for Jammu and Kashmir

In a remarkable display of talent and resilience, Jammu and Kashmir has clinched its inaugural Ranji Trophy title. The final match against the seasoned Karnataka team concluded in a draw, allowing J&K to secure the championship based on their first innings lead. Key performances included a century from Shubham Pundir and a stellar five-wicket haul by Aquib Nabi, marking a long-awaited milestone for the team.

The Rise of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket

The journey of J&K cricket has been gradual yet impactful since Parvez Rasool became the first player from the region to represent India in 2014. The growth has been supported by former cricketers like Irfan Pathan and Mithun Manhas, who have played a crucial role in nurturing talents such as Umran Malik and Abdul Samad. This historic Ranji Trophy season has positioned several J&K players as potential candidates for the national team.

Standout Performers for Jammu and Kashmir

Here are some of the standout players from J&K during this Ranji season:

Aquib Nabi

Aquib Nabi emerged as the 'Player of the Tournament', taking 60 wickets in 10 matches at an impressive average of 12.56. His performance included two four-wicket hauls and seven five-wicket hauls, with best figures of 7/24. Nabi's exceptional skills were on full display during the knockout stages, where he took 12 wickets against Madhya Pradesh and nine against Bengal.

Abdul Samad

Abdul Samad, known for his role as a lower-order hitter in the IPL, showcased his growth this season. He was J&K's top run-scorer with 748 runs in 10 matches, averaging 57.53. His contributions included a century and five fifties, with crucial performances in the semifinals and finals, solidifying his reputation beyond franchise cricket.

Paras Dogra

Paras Dogra's journey in domestic cricket spans over 25 years, culminating in a successful season with J&K. He scored 637 runs in 10 matches, including two centuries and four fifties. Dogra also became the second player to reach 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs, celebrating the title win with a heartfelt dance, symbolizing years of hard work.

Qamran Iqbal

Qamran Iqbal made significant contributions as an opener, amassing 471 runs in 10 innings at an average of 58.87. His standout performance in the final included an unbeaten 160, which helped J&K secure a substantial lead.

Abid Mushtaq

Abid Mushtaq had a notable season, scoring 445 runs and taking 20 wickets. His best bowling figures of 7/68 came against Hyderabad, showcasing his all-round capabilities.