LG Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah congratulated the J&K team on its maiden Ranji Trophy win, with the CM announcing a ₹2 crore reward.
February 28, Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team on winning its maiden Ranji Trophy title.
In a message, Sinha described the victory as a defining moment in the Union Territory’s sporting history and praised the players and coaching staff for their performance and dedication throughout the tournament.
In a post on X, he said the triumph marked a proud moment for the Union Territory and encouraged youth to draw inspiration from the achievement.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubballi, announced a ₹2 crore cash reward for the players and support staff. He also said members of the title-winning squad would be eligible for government appointments under the newly notified policy for outstanding athletes.
Facing eight-time champions Karnataka at their home ground, Jammu and Kashmir secured the title on the strength of a 291-run first-innings lead. The team posted 342 for 4 in the second innings, extending the overall advantage to 633 runs by the end of the fifth and final day.
Opener Qamran Iqbal scored an unbeaten 160, while Sahil Lotra struck 101 not out. Pacer Auqib Nabi claimed a five-wicket haul, his seventh of the season.
After the match, the chief minister met the players and congratulated them. Advisor to the chief minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq and members of the J&K Cricket Association accompanied him.
Jammu and Kashmir made their debut in India’s premier domestic competition 67 years ago. Despite reaching the quarterfinals in previous seasons, the title had remained out of reach until now.
