Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title on Saturday, dismantling eight-time champions Karnataka in a clinical display of red-ball dominance. Amid jubilant scenes at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who witnessed the final day’s match from the stands, announced a cash prize of Rs 2 crore for the players and support staff.
The Chief Minister termed the victory as the region’s finest hour while also confirming that outstanding performers will be eligible for cabinet appointments.
“The Chief Minister congratulated the J&K team on their historic Ranji Trophy triumph and announced a cash prize of Rs 2 crore for the players and support staff after their emphatic victory over Karnataka on their home soil,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a social media post.
The Chief Minister congratulated the J&K team for their historic Ranji Trophy triumph and announced a cash prize of Rs 2 crore for the players and support staff after their emphatic win over Karnataka on their home soil.
We call it a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir pic.twitter.com/OnRJCa1EoB
— Office of the Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) February 28, 2026
“Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, he said the landmark victory has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration. The players will also be eligible for appointment to the government under the recently announced outstanding sportsman rules.”
The final coronation rather. J&K, appearing in their first ever final since entering the competition in 1959, outclassed a star-studded Karnataka side with many international stalwarts.
The foundation was laid with a whopping 584 in the first innings. Shubham Pundir etched his name in folklore with a disciplined 121 to become the first player from the state to score a century in a Ranji final. He was ably supported by Yawer Hassan (88) and a blistering half-century from Abdul Samad.
However, she delivered a definitive blow breakout season star, Auqib Nabi Dar. The seamer produced a spell for the ages, claiming 5/54 to dismantle Karnataka’s top order, including the prized wickets of KL Rahul and Karun Nair. His haul of seven wickets for the match took his season tally to a record 60 wickets, further fueling calls for his inclusion in the national Test set-up.
By the time J&K declared their second innings at 342/4 – boasting an unassailable lead of 633 runs – the result was a mere formality. Qamran Iqbal’s unbeaten 160 and Sahila Lotry’s century ensured that Karnataka, despite a brave 160 from Mayank Agarwal in the first innings, never found a foothold in the match. J&K eventually clinched the title with a massive first innings lead of 291 runs as the captains shook hands on the final afternoon.
INSTANT WIN
This win is a seismic shift for J&K cricket. For decades, the team was seen as an underdog, often hampered by limited infrastructure and regional issues. By defeating a powerhouse like Karnataka – a side with 66 years of more elite experience – J&K proved that cricket’s New India is no longer confined to traditional centres.
As the team prepares for a hero’s welcome in Srinagar and Jammu, the focus now shifts to how many of these history makers will make it to the blue national team.
– The end
Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
28 Feb 2026 16:53 IST
