The Jammu & Kashmir cricket team’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph has drawn recognition from across the Indian cricket ecosystem, with ICC Chairman Jay Shah meeting the squad after players expressed a desire to share the moment with him.
The meeting followed Jammu & Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy title in the 2025–26 season — a landmark achievement that ended a 67-year wait and marked a major milestone for cricket development in the region.
BCCI highlights team’s request to meet Jay Shah
Following their title-winning campaign, members of the Jammu & Kashmir squad requested a meeting with Shah to acknowledge the role many credit him with playing in strengthening cricket structures in the region during his tenure as BCCI Secretary.
The BCCI highlighted the meeting in a post on X following Jammu & Kashmir’s historic Ranji Trophy triumph.
“The historic triumph of Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy will remain a proud milestone for cricket in the region.”
“After their memorable victory, the players expressed a heartfelt desire to meet Hon. ICC Chair @JayShah and share this special moment with him, acknowledging the role his leadership played in strengthening cricket in Jammu & Kashmir during his tenure as BCCI Secretary.
“We sincerely thank Mr. Shah for taking the time to meet the team and for sharing his words of encouragement with the players as they celebrate this historic achievement.
“Congratulations to the entire J&K team and the cricket fraternity for scripting a remarkable chapter in Indian domestic cricket,” the post read.
The historic triumph of Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy will remain a proud milestone for cricket in the region.
After their memorable victory, the players expressed a heartfelt desire to meet Hon. ICC Chair @JayShah and share this special moment with him, acknowledging the… pic.twitter.com/iAKLGBGveq
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 5, 2026
Jay Shah also congratulated the team on their historic achievement.
“Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance,” he wrote on X.
“While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from J&K who have toiled behind the scenes to fashion this landmark achievement. I am sure that this win will ignite belief in the hearts of the current generation from the region and drive the next one to pick up a bat or ball.”
“Our sport is rich with such stories of inspiration from around the world and I hope this one also receives its fair share of admiration.”
Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance.
While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from… https://t.co/hbRwF1S41O
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) February 28, 2026
Historic Ranji Trophy win ends 67-year wait
Led by Paras Dogra, Jammu & Kashmir were declared champions after the Ranji Trophy final ended in a draw, with the team securing victory on the basis of a massive 291-run first-innings lead over Karnataka.
The foundation for the win was laid through a dominant first-innings performance, as the batting unit combined to post a formidable total of 584.
Shubham Pundir led the effort with a century, while Yawer Hassan, captain Paras Dogra, Abdul Samad, Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Sahil Lotra all produced key contributions to put the team in command.
Karnataka — featuring several international players including KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair — struggled to respond. Agarwal’s 160 was the lone standout effort as the side was bowled out for 293.
Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi delivered a decisive performance with the ball, claiming five wickets and dismantling Karnataka’s middle order.
Second-innings dominance seals the title
J&K extended their control of the match in the second innings, powered by an unbeaten 160 from Qamran Iqbal.
Dogra eventually declared the innings at 342/4, giving his side a 633-run lead before both captains agreed to end the match, sparking celebrations as the team secured the title.
Shubham Pundir was named Player of the Match for his performance in the final, while Auqib Nabi claimed the Player of the Series award after taking 55 wickets in eight matches during the tournament.
Long-term development credited for breakthrough season
Former Ranji cricketer and BCCI President Mithun Manhas credited the victory to years of development work in Jammu & Kashmir cricket.
“It’s been an amazing journey that started five years ago. I want to thank the BCCI for the support, especially Jay Shah. I am a person of process. You need to have your seniors around, with Paras [Dogra] coming in, we got stability, the calmness. With Ajay Sharma Bhai [coach], he has the experience of playing five finals and he brought in immense batting experience from his day. This win is dedicated to all the people back home. All the other teams, they will take a lot of inspiration from this. They can also do what J&K have done,” Manhas expressed.
The title is widely viewed as a transformative moment for the region’s cricket ecosystem, reflecting years of investment in infrastructure, governance reforms and player development.
For the players, meeting the ICC Chairman added another memorable chapter to what has already become the most historic season in Jammu & Kashmir cricket history.
