Sachin Tendulkar lauds J&K’s Ranji Trophy win (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: The cricketing fraternity came together to celebrate Jammu and Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph as tributes poured in from legends and administrators alike.Sachin Tendulkar hailed the moment as a beautiful transformation of the region. “Kashmir willows have been part of the kits of many champions. To see Jammu and Kashmir’s journey from an enabler of champions to becoming champions themselves is beautiful,” he wrote on X.
J&K is making history! Jammu and Kashmir won Ranji Trophy 2025-26 for the first time | emotional family response
Reflecting on the team’s campaign, he added: “The season has been built on consistency, resilience and season-long excellence. Auqib Nabi’s impact with the ball has stood out in a challenging campaign.”“A historic moment for the team, coaches and support staff. Journeys like these define the beauty of domestic cricket.”ICC Chairman Jay Shah also congratulated the team after their fairytale win over Karnataka in their first ever Ranji final. “Congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir Indian team for writing a remarkable story of grit and perseverance. The players fully deserve the recognition they are getting, but the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from J&K who toiled behind the scenes to create this landmark achievement must also be remembered. I am sure this win will stir the hearts of the next generation to encourage the present generation. or ball is our sport rich with such stories of inspiration from all over the world and I hope this one too gets its due share of admiration,” he wrote.Mohammad Kaif shared, “Historical day for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. After winning the first Ranji Trophy title, I know what this moment means to the players and the state. More players from J&K will now believe that they can do it too.”Irfan Pathan wrote: “Many congratulations to J&K cricket for creating history by winning the first ever Ranji Trophy. I never had a shadow of a doubt that you will achieve this and many more trophies.”Aakash Chopra wrote: “Jammu and Kashmir you beauty. A story for the ages. So happy for what our boys have achieved. Indian cricket is in a safe and happy place.”Shikhar Dhawan added, “A 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.”Harbhajan Singh said: “The will to win, that’s what matters. What a day for Jammu and Kashmir. Excellent, simply excellent, winning the Ranji Trophy is not easy at all. They played great cricket all season and played as a unit: many congratulations and many more trophies to come. Great to see cricket and growth in the Jammu region.”Yuvraj Singh wrote: “Unbelievable! History was made today! Huge congrats to team Jammu & Kashmir for winning their first #RanjiTrophy title in 67 long years! Dominating Karnataka with sheer grit, heart and unbreakable spirit. Proud of #Auqib’s words and masterful fire and training of master class squa, #QamranIq J&K cricket has come on boys!”Suresh Raina simply wrote, “Congratulations on the first Ranji Trophy, Jammu & Kashmir.” Jammu and Kashmir crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the first time ever. A monumental moment for state and domestic cricket!! Well done team, well deserved.”
