The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team will receive a cash incentive of Rs 2 crore for their first Ranji Trophy victory, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared on Saturday.
He described the historic victory as a turning point for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, saying it has inspired and filled the entire area with pride.
Following their “emphatic” victory over Karnataka at home, Abdullah announced in a post on X that the players and support staff would receive a financial prize of two crore.
Abdullah flew to Hubli, Karnataka, on Friday to support the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team.
“The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons,” Abdullah said.
Joining the Indian cricket community in celebrating Jammu and Kashmir’s first Ranji Trophy title win, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said the event will “ignite belief” in the region’s present generation and inspire the next to pursue cricket.
Legends of Indian cricket, including off-spin greats R Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh, mirrored Shah’s stance.
“Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance,” Shah, the former BCCI Secretary, wrote on ‘X’.
“While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from J&K who have toiled behind the scenes to fashion this landmark achievement.”
“I am sure that this win will ignite belief in the hearts of the current generation from the region and drive the next one to pick up a bat or ball. Our sport is rich with such stories of inspiration from around the world and I hope this one also receives its fair share of admiration,” he added.
Ashwin viewed their triumph as evidence that Ranji Trophy teams have improved their preparations with each passing season.
Jammu and Kashmir defeated eight-time champion Karnataka in a lopsided final in Hubli on Saturday, earning them the title of Ranji Trophy champions for the first time ever.
J&K took a commanding 291-run lead in the first innings, giving them the victory and bragging rights they had earned over the previous few seasons.
In 2024–25, J&K defeated Mumbai, which included a number of India Test players, including Shardul Thakur, Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Ashwin wrote on X, “Saurashtra, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and now J & k have won the Ranji Trophy over the last decade.”
“These teams have found a way to prepare well with a unified goal in mind as a team. It has paved way for cricketers like Jaydev, Harsh Dubey( India A), Rajat Patidar, Karun Nair, Axar Patel to play for India in whites. In time J&k would also be seeing representations from this championship winning side.”
“This serves as a reminder once again for cricketers from the rest of the country, that if they stand together and play united with a Ranji trophy title as a goal, they or at least their team mates can go on to play for the country. Well done to J & K , it’s a massive achievement,” Ashwin added.
Harbhajan Singh, another spin great, stated that J&K had a strong will to win and that winning the Ranji Trophy is difficult.
“…that’s what matter. What a day for Jammu & Kashmir…They have played terrific cricket throughout the season and played like a unit. Many congratulation and many more trophies to come. great to see Cricket growing in Jammu Kashmir region.”
Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder for India, stated he was confident J&K would win the Ranji Trophy.
“Many congratulations to J&k cricket to create a history by winning the first ever Ranji Trophy. I never had even shadow of a doubt that you guys will achieve this and many more trophies,” he wrote.
J&K’s victory, according to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, is evidence that cricket is thriving nationwide.
Former India batsman VVS Laxman posted: “Congratulations to Jammu & Kashmir on a truly inspiring #RanjiTrophy triumph From belief to brilliance this journey is a reminder that dreams backed by hard work and resilience do come true. You have shown that no challenge is too big when a team plays with heart, discipline and unity. A proud defining moment for J&K cricket”
