Jammu, March 9 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hosted a dinner here on Monday in honor of the members of the Union Territory's cricket team, which recently won the Ranji Trophy for the first time in more than six decades.
Abdullah, along with his Cabinet colleagues and senior officers, warmly welcomed the players and also handed over Rs 2 crore in prize money to them in recognition of their historic achievement.
BCCI president Mithun Manhas was also present at the event, an official said.
Jammu and Kashmir secured their maiden Ranji Trophy title, holding eight-time champions Karnataka to a draw in which the former gained a 291-run first innings lead at Hubballi on February 28.
"The Chief Minister hosted a dinner in honor of the J&K Ranji Trophy champion team. The team was warmly welcomed by the Chief Minister along with his Cabinet colleagues and senior officers. The players were presented with Rs 2 crore in prize money. BCCI President Mithun Manhas was also present on the occasion," his office posted on X.
Congratulating the players on their remarkable achievement, the chief minister wished them continued success and encouraged them to keep making the region proud on the national stage.
Earlier on February 28, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is an avid cricket fan, reached Hubballi in Karnataka to witness the final day of the Ranji Trophy Final and announced a Rs 2 crore cash reward for the players and support staff soon after the J&K team lifted the trophy.
Describing the triumph as a defining chapter for J&K cricket, he also declared that members of the title-winning squad would be eligible for government appointments under the newly notified policy for outstanding athletes.