Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia praised the Jammu and Kashmir team for securing their first-ever Ranji Trophy title. This victory, according to Saikia, showcases the widespread reach of cricket in India despite challenging circumstances. He emphasized the significance of strategic planning and administrative backing in achieving this milestone.
Saikia acknowledged the BCCI’s continuous efforts and the strategic direction set by former secretary and current ICC chair Jay Shah as instrumental in the team’s success. The structured approach implemented by a three-member sub-committee since June 2021 played a crucial role in enabling this historic win, highlighting the growth of Indian cricket.
Jammu and Kashmir made history at the Hubli Cricket Ground by clinching the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 title with a substantial first-innings lead over Karnataka. After posting a formidable 584 in their first innings, they bowled out Karnataka for 293, securing a commanding 291-run lead. The match concluded in a draw, with Jammu and Kashmir claiming the title on the basis of the first-innings lead.
The final match witnessed remarkable performances, with Shubham Pundir scoring a historic unbeaten century in the first innings, becoming the first Jammu and Kashmir player to achieve this feat in a Ranji Trophy final. Additionally, Sahil Lotra’s consistent contributions with the bat were noteworthy. Auqib Nabi Dar’s pivotal five-wicket haul played a crucial role in restricting Karnataka, despite a resilient century from former Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal.
