On Saturday, the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team defeated Karnataka to claim its maiden Ranji Trophy, marking a historic achievement. The victory united political leaders and filled the region with pride. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a Rs 2 crore reward for the players and eligibility for government jobs.
The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team defeated eight-time champions Karnataka on Saturday at the Karnataka State Cricket Association Stadium in Rajnagar, Hubballi, to win its maiden Ranji Trophy. This marks the first victory in six decades of cricket history for the region and the team's first appearance in the semifinals of the annual domestic event.
Left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar played a key role, taking 29 wickets in eight matches and claiming four in the semi-final win over Bengal. In Kathar village, the last hamlet in Jammu district's Akhnoor, Sunil's family watched the match. His mother, Rekha Devi, prayed before an idol of Vaishno Devi. "We knew that he plays well, but had never imagined this rare feat," she said. "He was always fond of cricket and used to ask for a bat and ball when he could hardly speak. I bought him a plastic bat and a ball when he was four. We used to ask him to do studies as well, but we never stopped him from playing cricket."
Sunil first gained notice by taking eight wickets for a local club in Akhnoor in December 2020. He has played in other domestic tournaments like Vijay Hazare and served as a net bowler for the Kolkata Knight Riders. He was selected by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association two years ago.
Political leaders across the spectrum praised the win. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called it "J&K’s finest hour," stating on X, "Emotions surging beyond words as I watch our Cricket team claiming the Ranji Trophy... You have immortalised history." Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described it as a "watershed moment" in Jammu and Kashmir’s sports history, announcing a Rs 2 crore cash reward and eligibility for government appointments under rules for outstanding sportspersons. "The landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration," he said. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said it provided a rare moment of joy and was a "powerful reply to those forces that seek to divide our society on religious lines," highlighting the united effort of Hindu and Muslim players. BJP's J&K President Sat Sharma, Communist leader M Y Tarigami, Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone, and Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari also congratulated the team, noting the end of a 67-year wait.
