It is a moment that will be remembered for generations in Jammu & Kashmir cricket history by winning first-ever Ranji Trophy title . Skipper Paras Dogra called time on the match, and within seconds the entire Jammu & Kashmir squad rushed onto the field in wild celebration.
At just past 2:10 PM local time, both captains shook hands, officially sealing a famous victory for Jammu & Kashmir. Riding on their massive first-innings lead, J&K clinched the drawn contest and in doing so scripted one of the most emotional chapters in the region’s sporting journey.
Celebrations Erupt as J&K Creates History
Scenes of pure joy unfolded at the ground. Players danced to energetic dhol beats, hugging each other as the reality of their achievement sank in. Head coach Ajay Sharma wore a broad smile and even joined the celebrations with a few dance moves.
Watching proudly from the stands was Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whose presence added emotional weight to the historic day.
J&K win after first innings lead
Jammu & Kashmir: 584 (Pundir 121) and 342/4d (Iqbal 160*)
Karnataka: 293 (Mayank 160, Auqib Nabi 5/54)
After 67 long years, Jammu & Kashmir have finally reached the summit of Indian domestic cricket. In their first-ever Ranji Trophy final, the team showed remarkable composure against eight-time champions Karnataka cricket team.
How J&K Outclassed Karnataka
Facing a seasoned Karnataka side was always going to be a massive challenge. But Jammu & Kashmir displayed maturity beyond expectations throughout the five-day contest.
Their success was built on:
- Dominant first-innings performance
- Disciplined bowling attack
- Calm, calculative match control
- Strong belief and teamwork
J&K controlled the tempo from the early stages and never allowed Karnataka to regain momentum. Their balanced performance with both bat and ball underlined how far the team has evolved in red-ball cricket.
Match Heroes Who Shaped the Final
Two standout performances proved decisive in tilting the match firmly in Jammu & Kashmir’s favour.
Shubham Pundir produced a magnificent century that laid the foundation for J&K’s commanding position. His composed innings absorbed pressure and gave the team the platform they needed.
Meanwhile, pacer Auqib Nabi delivered yet another match-winning spell. His seventh five-wicket haul of the season pushed Karnataka onto the back foot and highlighted the bowling unit’s dominance.
Together, these performances reflected the grit, skill, and growing confidence within the Jammu & Kashmir camp.
Chief Minister Watches History Unfold
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah travelled to Hubballi to personally support the team on the final day. Calling it a defining moment for J&K cricket, he expressed immense pride in the squad’s performance.
They’ve done it. Well done J&K. #ranjitrophy2026 #RanjiTrophyFinal pic.twitter.com/COVBOl5j6J
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 28, 2026
“I am in Hubballi to cheer the J&K cricket team as they seal a historic win. There hasn’t been a single day in this five-day final when the team has not dominated the opposition,” he said.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, and officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association.
A Landmark Moment for Jammu & Kashmir Cricket
If officially crowned champions, this victory will mark Jammu & Kashmir’s first-ever Ranji Trophy title — a monumental breakthrough for the region’s cricket ecosystem.
More than just a trophy, the triumph signals:
- Rising cricket infrastructure in J&K
- Growing depth of local talent
- Increased national competitiveness
- A new era for red-ball cricket in the region
From underdogs to champions, Jammu & Kashmir’s journey has been built on patience, discipline, and belief.
What This Win Means Going Forward
This historic success is expected to inspire a new generation of cricketers from Jammu & Kashmir. With improved exposure and confidence, the region is steadily emerging as a strong contributor to India’s domestic cricket circuit.
For now, though, the focus remains on celebration — a celebration 67 years in the making.
