J&K Clinch Historic Ranji Trophy Title, BCCI Applauds Landmark Triumph

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday lauded Jammu and Kashmir for their historic Ranji Trophy triumph, calling it a landmark moment for cricket in the Union Territory.

In a message posted on X, the BCCI described the victory as a proud chapter in Indian domestic cricket and congratulated the entire team for their remarkable performance in the 2025–26 season of the Ranji Trophy. The board also acknowledged the players’ gesture of meeting ICC Chairman Jay Shah to share their success and thanked him for his continued encouragement and contribution to strengthening cricket in Jammu and Kashmir during his tenure as BCCI Secretary.

Jammu and Kashmir sealed the title with a commanding 291-run first-innings lead over a star-studded Karnataka side. A superb 121 by Shubham Pundir anchored J&K’s first-innings total of 584. He was well supported by Yawer Hassan (88), captain Paras Dogra (70), Abdul Samad (61), Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), and Sahil Lotra (72), as the team posted a formidable score.

Despite a five-wicket haul (5/98) by Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna, the southern side faltered under pressure. Karnataka, featuring international players such as KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Devdutt Padikkal, and Karun Nair, managed only 293 in reply, with Agarwal scoring a fighting 160. Auqib Nabi’s impressive 5/54 further tightened J&K’s grip on the contest.

In their second innings, an unbeaten 160 by Qamran Iqbal powered J&K to 342/4 before Dogra declared, effectively ending Karnataka’s hopes. With a massive overall lead of 633 runs, both teams eventually agreed to shake hands.

Pundir was named Player of the Match for his crucial century, while Nabi earned the Player of the Series award after claiming 55 wickets in eight matches, capping off a dream season for Jammu and Kashmir cricket.