Srinagar, February 28 – The victory of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team over Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy finals on Saturday was not just a well-deserved win, but also a promise of glory and hope for the youth of the Union Territory, whose talent in sports is now receiving nationwide recognition.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and NC MLA, Tanvir Sadiq, had arrived in Hubballi, Karnataka, on Friday to witness this historic moment as the Jammu and Kashmir team was about to achieve it on Saturday.
Omar Abdullah wanted to be personally present to celebrate and toast the victory of the Jammu and Kashmir team.
On Saturday, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore and government job opportunities for the players and support staff following the team's historic maiden Ranji Trophy title win, calling it a watershed moment for cricket in the Union Territory.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his joy on X, writing, "The finest hour for Jammu and Kashmir has arrived! I am overjoyed to watch our cricket team claim the Ranji Trophy."
"To every determined player who made history through sheer grit: thank you from the entire Union Territory, which is filled with pride. You have immortalized history – embrace it with honor."
The Chief Minister's Office highlighted the broader significance of the triumph for the region's sporting ecosystem while announcing the reward.
"Congratulating Team J&K on their historic triumph in the Ranji Trophy, the Chief Minister announced a cash reward of Rs 2 crore for the players and support staff after their emphatic victory over Karnataka on their home turf. Calling it a watershed moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, he said the landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration. The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons," the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's Office said on X.
This victory marks Jammu and Kashmir's first Ranji Trophy crown in 66 years.
Widespread celebrations erupted across the Union Territory upon hearing the news.
After winning the toss, Jammu and Kashmir posted a formidable total of 584 runs in 173.1 overs, built on a strong collective batting effort.
Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a composed 121 off 247 balls, while Yawer Hassan (88) and captain Paras Dogra (70) provided solid support.
The middle order kept the momentum alive through Abdul Samad (61) and wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhawan (70), while Sahil Lotra added crucial runs with a well-crafted 72.
For Karnataka, Prasidh Krishna stood out with a five-wicket haul, though the attack struggled overall.
In reply, Karnataka were bowled out for 293 runs in 93.3 overs, conceding a massive first-innings deficit of 291 runs.
Mayank Agarwal fought a lone battle with a superb 160, but lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup.
Jammu and Kashmir's bowling was led by Auqib Nabi Dar, who claimed a sensational five-wicket haul (5/54), his seventh of the tournament.
Sunil Kumar and Yudhvir Singh Charak chipped in with two wickets each to keep Karnataka firmly under pressure.
With a commanding lead, Jammu and Kashmir tightened their grip in the second innings, reaching 342/4 in 113 overs.
Qamran Iqbal starred with an unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra completed a fine match with an unbroken 101, effectively shutting the door on any Karnataka comeback.
The final ended in a draw, but Jammu and Kashmir's decisive first-innings lead sealed a historic victory and the most prestigious title in Indian domestic cricket.
Youth were seen dancing in Jammu as elders joined them distributing sweets. It was a celebration cutting across region, religion and language.
Every face wore a festive smile and drums started beating at different parts of Jammu city.
The celebrations in the Valley were equally joyous though little subdued because of the escalating tension between Israel and Iran.
Hundreds of Kashmiri students, doctors and other professionals are still stranded in Iran as the country sealed its airspace.