February 28, 2026, marks the most significant day in the history of Jammu & Kashmir sports. By securing a massive 291-run first-innings lead against eight-time champions Karnataka, the Paras Dogra-led side has officially been crowned the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Champions. The scenes at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium were electric as the “Invincible” J&K squad turned the final day into a festival of regional pride.
Parvez Rasool: “Auqib Nabi Made This Season Special”
The region’s first international cricketer, Parvez Rasool, hailed the team’s persistence and the emergence of a new superstar in Auqib Nabi, who finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 60 scalps.
“We have been performing well for several seasons now. We reached the quarterfinals three times and fell short there. Last year as well, we missed out by just one run. What made this season special was Aqib Nabi. Over the last two seasons, the way he has been performing has been phenomenal. This year, he was Man of the Match in the quarterfinal, then again in the semifinal, and now in the final. Bowling on such a wicket in the final, where even the Karnataka seamers struggled, is a big achievement.”
The “Architect” Honored: Mithun Manhas on Shoulders
In the most enduring image of the final, BCCI President Mithun Manhas was hoisted onto the shoulders of the jubilant J&K players. Manhas, the Jammu-born legend who revamped the JKCA’s structure, was the emotional anchor of the victory. The players acknowledged his “vision”—which included introducing red-soil tracks and a professional coaching culture—as the primary reason they could finally stand on the podium as champions.
X (Twitter) Erupts: A Rare Moment of Unity
Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt): “The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions’ kits. To see J&K’s journey from being an enabler to becoming champions themselves is beautiful. Truly a historic day!”
Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah): The CM, watching live from the stands, posted: “They’ve done it. Well done J&K! #ranjitrophy2026 #RanjiTrophyFinal” (followed by an announcement of a ₹2 crore cash reward).
LG Manoj Sinha (@OfficeOfLGJandK): “J&K’s finest hour has arrived! Emotions surging beyond words… You have immortalized history—embrace it with honor.”
Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti): “Heartfelt congratulations… History created! With grit, courage, and unbreakable belief, you’ve written a golden chapter.”
Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan): “History created! J&K reach their first-ever Ranji Trophy final… You beauty, J&K! My heart is full.”