Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minsiter Omar Abdullah rushed to Hubbali to witness the historic win of J&K in the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka, on February 28, 2026
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar
As the J&K cricket team etched itself in the sporting history by lifting its maiden Ranji Trophy title, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday (February 28, 2026) announced a ₹2 crore cash reward for the players and support staff.
Mr. Abdullah, accompanied by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, were present at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubballi, Karnataka, to watch the finals. Mr. Abdullah met the players after the match and congratulated them personally.
“It is a watershed moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. The landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration. The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons,” Mr. Abdullah said.
The J&K cricket piled up 633 runs to defeat the Karnataka cricket team.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he was “grateful for UT’s sporting revolution ignited under Prime Minister Narendra Modi leadership post 2019”.
“J&K’s finest hour has arrived! Emotions surging beyond words as I watch our cricket team claiming the Ranji Trophy. To every fierce player who carved history through sheer grit: thank you from the entire UT beaming with pride. You have immortalized history—embrace it with honour,” said Mr. Sinha.
Former J&K chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said the stupendous success of the J&K team “has given the people a rare moment of joy after a long time”.
“This victory is also a powerful reply to those forces that seek to divide our society on religious lines. The triumph was made possible by the united effort of a team made up of both Hindu and Muslim players proving once again that unity is our greatest strength. Together we rise, together we succeed, and today’s win is a reminder to the world that the spirit of J&K can never be broken,” Ms. Mufti said.
J&K Peoples Conference (JKPC) and J&K Apni Party also congratulated the team. “J&K finally are the champions of cricket in the country. Congratulations to the team. Congratulations to the team management. And congratulations to the people of J&K. What a long wait it has been,” said JKPC chief Sajad Lone.
In north Kashmir’s Sheeri village of Baramulla, the hometown of bowler Aquib Nabi was jubilant for his winning performance. The family was also glued to the television set sets all day. “I had always wished that I wanted to die only after watching him a match live on television. It was great day for me to see him on television, performing and winning. He has really worked hard for it. He would even leave in slippers to play cricket,” said Mr. Nabi’s mother.
Ghulam Nabi Dar, father of the bowler who teaches at a government school in Baramulla, said he now wants to see wearing the Indian Team’s jersey. “I want him to play for India now,” said. Mr. Dar.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also congratulated the J&K cricket team on its historic win. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every youth of the region and especially to Team J&K that scripted this history. It is a moment that fills every citizen with immense pride and mirrors the reality that the new changes that have swept Jammu and Kashmir are the new identity of its youth. The mantras of peace, progress, and prosperity are the driving force of the New Jammu and Kashmir,” Mr. Shah said.
Published – February 28, 2026 03:58 pm IST
