‘On the Cusp of Glory’: Omar in Hubballi to cheer team
STATE TIMES NEWS
HUBBALLI (KARNATAKA): In a moment that will be etched in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir, the J&K cricket team lifted their maiden Ranji Trophy title, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to announce a Rs 2 crore cash reward for the players and support staff.
Describing the triumph as a defining chapter for J&K cricket, the Chief Minister said the victory has ignited celebrations across the region and inspired a new generation of young sportspersons.
He further declared that members of the title-winning squad would be eligible for government appointments under the newly notified policy for outstanding athletes.
Facing eight-time champions Karnataka on their home ground, the Paras Dogra-led J&K team scripted an extraordinary tale of resilience in Indian domestic cricket to claim their maiden Ranji Trophy title on the basis of a first-innings lead, after the final against eight-time champions Karnataka ended in a draw. The team showcased grit and composure to secure the trophy on the strength of a commanding 291-run first-innings lead. The team tightened its grip on the contest by piling up 342/4 in the second innings, stretching the overall advantage to 633 runs by the end of the fifth and final day at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubballi.
Opener Qamran Iqbal led from the front with an unbeaten 160 – his second century in first-class cricket – while Sahil Lotra struck a fluent maiden hundred (101 not out), ensuring J&K remained firmly in control.
With the ball, Auqib Nabi once again proved decisive.
The pacer claimed a five-wicket haul for the seventh time this season, underlining his consistency and impact throughout the campaign.
The Chief Minister, who was present at the stadium to witness the historic occasion, met the players after the match and congratulated them personally.
He applauded Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra for their remarkable innings and commended Auqib Nabi for his match-winning spells, noting that his disciplined bowling was instrumental in steering the team to the title.
Jammu and Kashmir made their debut in India’s premier domestic competition 67 years ago. Despite reaching the quarterfinals in previous seasons, the elusive championship had remained out of reach – until now.
Witnessing the final day of the Ranji Trophy Final, the Chief Minister said he travelled to Hubballi to personally cheer the team as they move towards sealing a historic victory.
“I am in Hubballi to cheer the J&K cricket team as they seal a historic win. There hasn’t been a single day in this five-day final when the team has not dominated the opposition,” he remarked.
“They’ve done it. Well done J&K,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in a post on his personal handle on X immediately after the team’s win.
The Chief Minister arrived in Karnataka on Friday evening to lend his support to the team in what is being hailed as a landmark chapter in the sporting history of Jammu & Kashmir. With hopes, prayers, and unwavering support from across the region, the team is poised to clinch the prestigious title in their maiden appearance in the final of India’s premier domestic cricket championship.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, and the Administrator J&K Cricket Association accompanied the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, celebrations erupted across the Union territory, with firecrackers, beats of dholaks and drums reverberating through streets and sweets being distributed in the twin capital cities and other areas from where team members hail.