Srinagar, Feb 27: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday flew to Hubballi to witness the Union Territory’s cricket team’s historic Ranji Trophy championship moment, which is expected to come at some point on Saturday, 28 February.
“On our way to Hubli to cheer the J&K cricket team as they play the final of the Ranji Trophy,” Omar Abdullah as per Kashmir Convener said in a post on X, accompanied by a picture taken on the flight.
Jammu and Kashmir is on the cusp of glory after ending Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 title decider with a massive lead of 477 runs over Karnataka in Hubballi on Friday.
“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,” Omar added.
On Friday, the fourth day of the match, Karnataka resumed their innings at 220/5 in response to Jammu and Kashmir’s first-innings total of 584. This marks Jammu and Kashmir’s first-ever appearance in a Ranji Trophy final. Karnataka’s Mayank Agarwal added 30 runs to his overnight score of 130, keeping his team in the contest, but Sahil Lotra dismissed Kruthik Krishna for 36 runs, breaking a crucial 79-run partnership.
Vidhyadhar Patil spent some time at the crease but lost his wicket to Sunil Kumar in the 84th over. Vijaykumar Vyshak added 22 runs alongside Agarwal, but the man of the moment, Auqib Nabi Dar, trapped Agarwal in front of the wickets to claim the most important scalp of the innings. Mayank Agarwal departed for an impressive 160 runs off 266 balls, decorated with 21 fours.
Auqib then removed Shikhar Shetty (0), and Yudhvir Singh Charak took the final wicket of Prasidh Krishna (4) to bundle Karnataka out for 293 runs in 93.3 overs. Jammu and Kashmir secured a substantial first-innings lead of 291 runs, an advantage that could prove decisive in the match.
Auqib Nabi Dar – J&K Cricket’s Poster Boy
Auqib, a 29-year-old right-arm medium-pace bowler from Baramulla in north Kashmir, has emerged as the tournament’s sensation, earning praise from numerous former cricketers. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly was particularly effusive in his praise for the key bowler.
“J&K has shown the world what effort and intent can do. They have made that region so proud of them. Tough environment makes tough people. Auqib Nabi is on his way to national colours. England is the place to start in the summer,” Ganguly wrote on social media.
J&K began their second innings with Yawer Hassan and Qamran Iqbal. Prasidh Krishna dismissed Hassan (1), and Vyshak removed the first-innings centurion, Shubham Pundir (4), early. Captain Paras Dogra fell to a beautiful delivery from Krishna after making 16 runs.
Abdul Samad (32 off 70 balls) added 73 runs for the fourth wicket with Iqbal before losing his wicket to Shreyas Gopal. Sahil Lotra (16 not out off 41 balls) and Iqbal (94 not out off 160 balls) remained unbeaten at stumps on Day 4 as Jammu and Kashmir extended their lead to 477 runs.
They will need to bat well on the fifth and final day of the match, and the Paras Dogra-led side could secure their first-ever Ranji Trophy title on Saturday.
Dinesh Karthik urged youngsters to emulate the pacer’s dedication, calling him an “absolute champion”: “Watching this Ranji Trophy campaign…do it the AAQIB NABI way. I can’t think of any pacer/player in a long time doing what he’s done. Domination from start to end and almost single-handedly winning the domestic tournament that matters the most.”
Parvez Rasool, a former J&K captain, acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion while expressing hope in the team’s star performer: “Winning a final is not a cakewalk, but it would definitely be a big thing for Jammu and Kashmir. I hope the consistent performance of our team, especially Aquib Nabi, will help us secure our maiden title.”
Earlier this month, Jammu and Kashmir created history in West Bengal’s Kalyani city, defeating Bengal by six wickets to reach their maiden Ranji Trophy final.
Following Auqib Nabi’s brilliant performances, a wave of happiness has swept across the Union Territory, with celebrations underway in Baramulla since Friday. During his rise, his father and locals shared emotional words:
Ghulam Nabi, a local cricketer in Baramulla who has played with Auqib Nabi in Sheeri village told Kashmir Convener, “The atmosphere here is completely festive. We always believed in Auqib’s hard work and dedication. This moment is a reward for years of struggle and sacrifice… It feels like all our prayers have been answered.”
Sajad-ul-Bashir, a relative, said: “It is a moment of immense happiness for all of us. Celebrations are going on everywhere. He has always been a hard worker, and today sports has brought recognition to Sheeri and north Kashmir.”
Jahangir Lone, a local cricketer, added: “We always knew Auqib had the potential. His dedication, discipline, and willpower made the selectors take notice. This is not just his achievement—it’s a proud day for Baramulla and the entire Valley.”
Additionally, J&K politicians have congratulated the team and expressed their wishes for a victorious outcome.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh has lauded the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for their impressive showing in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, highlighting the players’ grit, discipline, and determination on the field.
In a post on X, the Union Minister wrote, “Best wishes to the spirited team of Jammu and Kashmir 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 on the national stage is truly inspiring.”
Singh also acknowledged the role of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) officials in fostering transparency and fairness in team selection. He added, “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.”
Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Friday congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for taking a crucial first-innings lead against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final, describing the feat as a “historic chapter” for sports in the region.
In a post on X, Bukhari extended his “deepest prayers and warmest wishes” to the team, which stands on the cusp of winning its first-ever Ranji Trophy title.
“This is truly a historic chapter for J&K cricket, and a matter of immense pride for all of us,” the former minister said.
Bukhari reserved special praise for young pacer Auqib Nabi, whose incisive bowling dismantled the Karnataka batting line-up on the fourth day of the final at the Hubli Cricket Ground.
“Special greetings to young Auqib Nabi, who dismantled the Karnataka cricket team’s batting line-up with his wicket haul in today’s match,” he said.
“I am sure that with his outstanding performance, the board will take note and select Auqib Nabi from the J&K team for the national level,” he added.
The Apni Party president also stressed the importance of focused grassroots development and creating greater opportunities for aspiring players.
“There is a strong need to further strengthen cricket in J&K. The team requires upgraded infrastructure, focused grassroots development, and greater opportunities for aspiring players,” Bukhari stated.
He added that fostering a robust sporting culture that promotes professionalism and experience is equally vital for the sustained growth of the sport in the region.
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