Kolkata, February 18 Former Jammu and Kashmir captain and current Cricket Advisory Committee chief Abdul Qayoom believes that the Union Territory is on track for a historic double this season after the Under-16 side clinched their maiden BCCI title earlier this year.
The Jammu and Kashmir Under-16 team won the Vijay Merchant Trophy Plate Group title, the UT's first-ever BCCI crown, by defeating Mizoram by an innings and 182 runs, and securing the four-day match with a day to spare.
On Wednesday, in Kalyani, the senior team made it to the Ranji Trophy final for the first time since their debut in 1959-60, stunning a star-studded Bengal side at home by six wickets.
Qayoom feels the stage is set for something special.
"We have won our first BCCI trophy – the Vijay Merchant Under-16 – and now it's up to the senior side to win the Ranji Trophy," the 58-year-old told
The senior side, which had narrowly missed the semi-final berth last season after a one-run first-innings deficit to Kerala, has achieved a remarkable turnaround.
After losing to Mumbai in the first round this season, they bounced back to defeat Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Bengal to reach a historic final.
Qayoom, who played 47 first-class matches and led J&K to the pre-quarterfinals in 2000-01, where they lost to Odisha, said reaching the final has always been a cherished goal.
"It was always a dream to qualify for the final, and we have now achieved it. We are just one win away," he said.
Highlighting the challenges, he pointed to infrastructure constraints in the Union Territory.
"We have the worst infrastructure among the 38 states; we don't have any international ground. We only have two grounds – Jammu Science College and Sher-i-Kashmir Srinagar. For 2-4 years, we didn't even have proper practice wickets."
Qayoom stressed that despite the hurdles, structured efforts are underway to identify and groom talent.
"In March, we will have talent hunts in every district. The Jammu and Srinagar district talent hunts will bring the best players to the main centre. We are also planning proper practice facilities and the Buchi Babu semifinal."
Speaking about the team’s mindset, he said playing away from home has never fazed the side.
"We have won all our matches playing away. Our boys perform well even when playing away, and it doesn't make any difference. Our players don't feel any pressure."
"They are not intimidated by big teams," he added, pointing to wins over former champions Mumbai and Baroda, Vidarbha in 2022-23, and this season's victories against Delhi, Hyderabad, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
"So, we will not be intimidated by playing against Karnataka in Bengaluru."
He further said the region's geography plays a big role in creating strong players.
"We are cricketers from the hills, and that gives us an advantage. Playing at a high altitude provides us with a strong physique, which is an advantage when competing at lower altitudes. It makes things easier for us."
Qayoom credited the stability in selection and coaching for the team’s rise.
"Credit goes to the entire coaching staff, the team management, and the selectors. For 4-5 years, the selectors have remained consistent, and we have given the players enough time," he said.
"We never believed in changing the team much. We brought Paras Dogra to manage the team, and he has lived up to expectations. His key decisions have played a significant role."
He also praised head coach Ajay Sharma’s role in building belief.
"All the credit goes to Ajay Sharma. We have had strong belief in him, and we haven't made too many changes to the team."
On the fast-bowling depth, Qayoom said the UT has produced a strong pace group.
"We have a good pace attack with 2-4 backup fast bowlers who are not in the team. Umar Nazir Mir took six wickets against Mumbai last season. It's about creating a strong pace group."
He also praised young pacer Auqib Nabi, who has taken 55 wickets this season. "Nabi is now unstoppable, and nobody can stop him from playing for the country. I'm sure he will play for India A soon," he added.
