J&K clinches maiden Ranji Trophy title, bags Rs 5 crore prize

Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by winning their first Ranji Trophy title after the final against Karnataka ended in a draw. They rode a colossal first-innings lead to seal the crown.

J&K opened with 584 in the first innings, and Karnataka were bowled out for 293 in 93.3 overs, with Auqib Nabi delivering a five-wicket haul for 54 runs. That 291-run lead put J&K in a commanding position to steer the summit clash toward a historic outcome.

Rather than enforcing the follow-on, J&K batted again and extended their dominance. Qamran Iqbal finished unbeaten on 160 and Sahil Lotra remained not out on 101 as J&K reached 342/4 in their second innings, stretching their overall lead to a massive 633 runs. With no realistic chance for Karnataka to chase, the captains called it a day and shook hands, sealing J&K’s historic triumph.

The victory is a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir, who began competing in the Ranji Trophy 67 years ago, and it has sparked celebrations across the region. The triumph also comes with substantial financial rewards: the BCCI has increased domestic prizes, with the Ranji Trophy winners taking home Rs 5 crore, runners-up Rs 3 crore, and losing semi-finalists Rs 1 crore.

This result marks a new era for cricket in J&K and underscores the talent emerging from the region, potentially opening doors for more opportunities and visibility on the national stage.

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