Hubballi cricket ground

BCCI Secy Devajit Saikia: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia described Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph as a 'watershed moment' for Indian cricket, saying the historic title would inspire a new generation of cricketers from the region and validate years of sustained effort by administrators and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by defeating Karnataka in their own backyard, securing the title on the basis of a massive first-innings lead after the final ended in a draw at the Hubballi Cricket Ground.

The visitors had piled up 584 in their first innings, powered by Shubham Pundir’s century and crucial contributions from the middle order, before bowling Karnataka out for 293, with Auqib Nabi Dar starring with a five-wicket haul. In the second innings, centuries from Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra ensured there was no way back for the eight-time champions, sealing a landmark victory for Jammu and Kashmir.