Champs at last! J&K end 67-year wait for Ranji glory

On Saturday, as the final match between J&K and Karnataka ended in a draw on the fifth day at the Hubballi cricket ground, the J&K team by virtue of its massive 291-run lead in the first innings, secured the title by keeping Karnataka at bay in the entire match. The J&K team had posted 584 in the first innings.

According to rules, in case of a draw, the team which secures a first-innings lead, is declared the winner.

The J&K team tightened its grip on the contest by piling up 342/4 in the second innings, stretching the overall advantage to 633 runs on the final day of the match.

Opener Qamran Iqbal with an unbeaten 160 and Sahil Lotra’s maiden hundred ensured the team remained at the top of the game.

Celebrations erupted at the Hubballi cricket ground around afternoon, with players and staff rushing to the ground to celebrate the win. The J&K team had entered the final for the first time after a thrilling semi-final victory over two-time champions Bengal on February 18 in West Bengal.

Amid hopes, prayers and unwavering support from across the region, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah along with his MLAs and adviser Nasir Aslam flew from Delhi to Hubballi on Friday evening to observe the historic day.

The Chief Minister announced a Rs 2 crore reward for the players and support staff.

Calling it a "watershed" moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, Omar said the "landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration".

Jammu and Kashmir L-G Manoj Sinha said the UT’s “finest hour has arrived!”

“Emotions surging beyond words as I watch our cricket team claiming the Ranji Trophy. To every fierce player who carved history through sheer grit: thank you from the entire UT beaming with pride. You have immortalised history — embrace it with honour,” he posted on X.

Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the UT's “sporting revolution ignited post 2019”, Sinha said, “To all youth: let this blaze ignite your horizon, train relentlessly & fiercely. Build on this win to pioneer eras of dominance — J&K's unstoppable future starts with you.”

Even though the entire J&K team is being appreciated for the feat, 29-year-old Auqib Nabi from north Kashmir emerged as the sporting sensation, with a five-wicket haul for the seventh time this season. He was declared the player of series on Saturday.