Jubilant celebrations swept across Jammu and Kashmir after the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team created history by winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title, triggering scenes of joy marked by firecrackers, dhol beats and the distribution of sweets in Jammu and other areas linked to team members.
The historic triumph came after J&K outplayed eight-time champions Karnataka cricket team in the final, capping a remarkable domestic season in which the side overcame several strong contenders with composure and consistency to script one of the most inspiring stories in Indian domestic cricket.
In Jammu, celebrations first erupted at the headquarters of the J&K Cricket Association (JKCA), where children, association officials and cricketers danced to dhol beats as firecrackers lit up the sky.
The victory was widely described as a proud and emotional moment for the Union territory.
JKCA official Rajesh Dhar called the achievement “unbelievable,” crediting the players, administration and leadership of chairman Mithun Manhas.
He recalled that Manhas had set winning the Ranji Trophy as a goal for J&K in 2021, adding that the team’s journey this season reflected that determination.
“We beat Madhya Pradesh at home in the quarterfinals, Bengal in their own conditions in the semifinals, and then Karnataka in the final. It was a complete campaign,” he said.
Celebrations were also held at the homes of players, including that of Sahil Lotra, who scored his maiden first-class century in the final.
His knock, coming off 223 deliveries, played a key role in building a massive second-innings total that helped seal the title for J&K.
Satish Wadhawan, father of cricketer Kanhaiya Wadhawan, described the win as historic and praised the team’s unity and leadership under captain Paras Dogra, along with the role played by the coaching staff.
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Kanhaiya’s mother, Bindu Wadhawan, said the players’ dedication and hard work had finally paid off, adding that they had “created history” for the region.
The achievement drew praise from former Indian cricketers as well. Suresh Raina called it “a proud moment for Indian domestic cricket,” while Yusuf Pathan described the victory as inspiring, recalling the mentoring role played by his brother Irfan Pathan during his association with J&K cricket.
JKCA member Brigadier Anil Gupta termed the win “a dream come true” for everyone involved in building the team over the years, while former Ranji player Raja Saleem said the historic success would inspire young cricketers across the region.
The J&K Police and several women cricketers from the Union territory also congratulated the team, saying the championship victory had made the entire region proud and raised new expectations for the future of cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.
