Jammu & Kashmir Win Maiden Ranji Trophy: The Historic 2025-26 Campaign
In one of Indian cricket's most emotional stories, Jammu & Kashmir have won their maiden Ranji Trophy title in the 2025-26 season, ending a 67-year wait since their first-class debut in 1959-60. They defeated Karnataka in the final at Hubballi, becoming the 18th team in 92 years to lift the prestigious trophy.
The Final: J&K vs Karnataka
The final, played from February 24-28, 2026, in Karnataka's own backyard at Hubballi, was a dominant display by J&K. The match ended in a draw, but J&K's commanding 291-run first-innings lead was enough to secure the championship under the rules.
In their second innings, J&K further extended their advantage to 633 runs, finishing at 342/4 with opener Qamran Iqbal scoring an unbeaten 160 and Sahil Lotra recording a maiden century of 101 not out. Karnataka never had a chance to chase.
Heroes of the Campaign
Auqib Nabi — The Tournament's MVP
Left-arm spinner Auqib Nabi was the standout performer of the entire tournament. He finished with an extraordinary 60 wickets in the campaign, including 26 in the knockouts alone. His five-wicket haul in the final dismantled Karnataka's star-studded batting lineup. As former J&K captain Parvez Rasool put it, “Auqib Nabi has given J&K a new sporting identity.”
Shubham Pundir — First Century in a Final
Shubham Pundir became the first batter from Jammu & Kashmir to score a century in a Ranji Trophy final — a milestone that underlines just how historic this campaign was for the team.
Qamran Iqbal — The Run Machine
Opener Qamran Iqbal's unbeaten 160 in the second innings of the final put the match beyond any doubt. His consistent run-scoring throughout the season was the backbone of J&K's batting.
Why This Win Matters
This isn't just a cricket result — it's a statement. Jammu & Kashmir has produced talented cricketers over the decades but never had the infrastructure, resources, or consistent support that bigger state associations enjoy. Winning the Ranji Trophy against Karnataka — an 8-time champion — in their own den makes this triumph even more remarkable.
From a team that made its first-class debut in 1959-60 to Ranji Trophy champions in 2026 — a 67-year journey of grit, passion, and belief.
The win is expected to inspire a new generation of cricketers from the region. With players like Auqib Nabi, Umran Malik, and others showing what J&K cricket is capable of, the future looks bright.
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Host Your Cricket AuctionThe Road Ahead for J&K Cricket
With this historic Ranji Trophy win, Jammu & Kashmir have established themselves as a serious force in Indian domestic cricket. The young squad, led by match-winners like Auqib Nabi and Qamran Iqbal, has the talent to sustain this success. For a region that has overcome immense challenges to reach this point, the Ranji Trophy isn't just a trophy — it's a symbol of what determination and teamwork can achieve.