Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 27: Jammu and Kashmir stand on the cusp of history, inching closer to their maiden Ranji Trophy title after a commanding performance in the final at Hubli.
The atmosphere is charged with pride and anticipation as the team moves within touching distance of a landmark victory.
In a show of support, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah travelled to Hubli, Karnataka, to witness the historic moment firsthand.
Sharing his excitement, the CM, said the team has already made “lakhs of people proud” by reaching the final and expressed eagerness to cheer them from the stands as they close in on a famous win.
“On our way to Hubli to cheer the J&K cricket team as they play the final of the Ranji Trophy. They’ve already made lakhs of people so very proud of their achievements by reaching the final. I’m really looking forward to spending the day tomorrow in the stands cheering them on.” Abdullah said in a post on ‘X’
The Chief Minister is accompanied by his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA and NC Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq and MLA Pahalgam Altaf Wani.
On the field, Jammu and Kashmir maintained complete dominance, leaving the Karnataka cricket team struggling to find momentum. After securing a massive 291-run first-innings lead, J&K consolidated further in their second innings.
Despite an early setback at 11/2, Qamran Iqbal steadied the innings with a composed 94, anchoring the side during a crucial phase. He built important partnerships with Kanhaiya Dogra and Abdul Samad, frustrating the opposition and pushing J&K firmly into control.
By stumps, the lead had swelled to an imposing 477 runs, with Sahil Lotra holding firm at the other end, underlining J&K’s authority in the contest.
Earlier, J&K’s bowling unit set the tone for dominance with a clinical display. Led by Auqib Nabi, who claimed his seventh five-wicket haul of the season, the side dismantled Karnataka’s batting lineup with precision.
Though Mayank Agarwal stood tall with a resilient 130 off 207 balls, the lack of support from the rest of the batting order left Karnataka in deep trouble. Regular breakthroughs ensured they never recovered from early setbacks.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh commended the players’ discipline and determination, while also acknowledging the role of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association in ensuring transparency in team selection
Best wishes to the spirited team of #JammuAndKashmir for their outstanding performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.
Your grit, discipline and determination on the field have made the entire region proud. The way you have showcased talent and resilience at the national stage is truly inspiring.
“Equally deserving of appreciation are JKCA’s Brig Anil Gupta and Sh Mithun Manhas, who have painstakingly sought to introduce a culture of fair, transparent team selection in J&K…. and the results are there for everybody to see.” Dr Jitendra Singh said in a post on ‘X’.
Meanwhile, Waheed ur Rehman Para described the achievement as more than just a sporting milestone, calling it a symbol of unity, resilience, and hope for the youth of the region.
“Winning #RanjiTrophy by the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Team is not just about lifting a trophy. It’s not just about winning, it’s about showing the way.
At a time when so much around us feels fractured, when institutions become flashpoints, when young people feel unheard, when debates over region, religion, and identity grow louder, this victory feels different. It feels personal to all of us.
On the field, there were no divisions. Hindus and Muslims stood shoulder to shoulder, playing for one badge, one dream. They transcended religious, regional, and geographical divides, taking on and defeating elite teams from across the country. That’s no small feat.
The J&K Cricket Association, once weighed down by controversy and allegations of corruption, now reflects something far more powerful: renewal. Change. A system slowly finding its feet again.
But what truly makes this special is the emotion behind it. These young men didn’t just play cricket. They played with pride. With a quiet determination that said: we belong here. Every run, every wicket, every dive on the field carried more than sporting intent; it carried hope.
And among them shines Aqib Nabi, a name that now echoes beyond the boundary ropes. A symbol of resilience and raw promise from a land that has endured so much. Your journey inspires not just aspiring cricketers, but an entire generation searching for light.
This is more than sports news. This is a story coming from a region where many young people battle anxiety, uncertainty, and hopelessness. And yet, here is a team that chose belief over bitterness. Effort over excuses. This is about turning despair into determination. Turning doubt into dignity. Turning hopelessness into hope.” He said in a post on ‘X’
With just one day remaining, Jammu & Kashmir are firmly in the driver’s seat. Even in the event of a draw, their substantial first-innings lead puts them in a commanding position to be declared champions—potentially securing their first-ever Ranji Trophy title in over six decades.
As the team prepares for the final push, all eyes remain on Hubli, where Jammu and Kashmir stand just one step away from scripting a golden chapter in their cricketing history. (KNO)
