Jammu and Kashmir wins its maiden Ranji Trophy, CM gifts Rs 2 crore, promises govt jobs

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team won its maiden Ranji Trophy title on Saturday on the basis of a first-innings lead, after the final against Karnataka ended in a draw.

The team received applause from political parties across the spectrum and prominent members of the sporting world for their first title in the history of the tournament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah praised the team for the victory.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, who watched the last day of the match at Hubballi in Karnataka, announced Rs 2 crore prize for the team and supporting staff and government jobs for the players under the outstanding sports persons category.


“Congratulating team Jammu and Kashmir on their historic triumph… emphatic victory over Karnataka in Ranji Trophy… this is a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket and the landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration,” Abdullah said.

He also said a lot of people thought this was not possible but this shows self belief is the most important thing. “This success will create role models. We have been waiting for people from Jammu and Kashmir to don the Indian colours and play for the country and hopefully good times are ahead,” he said.

J&K secured a 291-run lead on Friday and tightened their grip on the contest on the fifth and final day with another strong batting innings. Earlier, replying to J&K’s imposing first-innings total of 584, Karnataka were bowled out for 293 in 93.3 overs, with pacer Auqib Nabi claiming five for 54 to put his side in total control. J&K opted not to enforce the follow-on and instead batted Karnataka out of the contest.

Prime Minister said that this historic triumph reflects remarkable grit, discipline and passion of the team. "It is a proud moment for the people of J&K and it highlights the growing sporting passion and talent there. May this feat inspire many young athletes to dream big and play more," Modi wrote on X.

Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha said that the finest hour of J&K has arrived. “Emotions urging beyond words as I watch our cricket team claiming the Ranji Trophy. To every fierce player who carved history through sheer grit... You have immortalised history—embrace it with honour,” said Sinha.

“It is a moment that fills every citizen with immense pride and mirrors the reality that the new changes that have swept J&K are the new identity of its youth. The mantras of peace, progress and prosperity are the driving force of the new J&K,” Union home minister Amit Shah wrote on X.

ICC chairman Jay Shah said J&K’s win will ignite belief in the hearts of the current generation from the region and drive the next one to pick up a bat or ball. “Our sport is rich with such stories of inspiration from around the world and I hope this one also receives its fair share of admiration,” he said.