For Jammu and Kashmir, this is a dream come true moment. The team from the northern valley of India created an unforgettable moment on February 28 when they defeated heavyweights Karnataka. At the DR Bendre Cricket Ground in Hubballi, the players and staff of the team were immersed in joy.
To make the occasion shine, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir announced a huge bonus for the state’s 2025-26 Ranji Trophy winning team. Omar Abdullah announced a cash prize of Rs 2 crore for winning team J&K Ranji.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announces Rs 2 Crore cash reward for winning J&K Ranji team
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— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 28, 2026
Dinesh Karthik sends heartfelt message to Jammu and Kashmir
In the pinnacle showdown, all the cricketers of Jammu and Kashmir gave their best to defeat the star-studded Karnataka Cricket Team, which included stars like KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Prasidh Krishna and Devdutt Padikkal. J&K climbed to the top of the run mountain with centuries from Shubham Pundir, Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra, as well as multiple half-centuries in the first innings. Fast bowler Auqib Nabi, who made the season memorable with his impeccable bowling, took 5 more wickets in the final.
On the occasion, Indian cricket stars expressed support for the winning team and wished them all the best in the days ahead. Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik wrote on his social media account ‘X’: “Jammu and Kashmir are crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the first time. A landmark moment for the state and domestic cricket!! Well done to the team and well deserved.”
Jammu and Kashmir won the Ranji Trophy for the first time. A landmark moment for the country and domestic cricket! Well done to the team and well deserved 👏
— DK (@DineshKarthik) February 28, 2026
Mohammad Qaif congratulates Johnson & Johnson on this historic moment
Mohammad Kaif said that due to the huge success he has achieved, many more J&K cricketers will leave their mark in the future.
“This is a historic day for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. After leading UP to its first Ranji Trophy title, I know what this moment means to the players and the country. Many more players from J&K now believe they can do the same,” Kaif wrote in his ‘x’ post.
A historic day for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. After leading UP to its first Ranji Trophy title, I know what this moment means to the players and the country. Now, more Johnson & Johnson players will believe they can do the same. #RanjiTrophyFinal
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 28, 2026
Shreevats Goswami says it will be good for Indian cricket
Former Bengal wicketkeeper-batsman Shreevats Goswami said J&K lifting the Ranji Trophy – is a good sign for Indian cricket. He hopes that after this moment, Indian cricket will no longer be limited to just a few big names.
“Jammu and Kashmir wins #ranjitropy2026. Congratulations to the players and support staff. This is a momentous moment for them and India. The heartbeat of Indian cricket is no longer limited to the traditional giants who dominate domestic cricket. J&K deserves it,” Goswami said.
jammu and kashmir wins #ranjitropy2026. Congratulations to the players and support staff. Big moment for them and India. The heartbeat of Indian cricket is no longer limited to the traditional giants who dominate domestic cricket. J&k deserves this❤️ pic.twitter.com/Brh3H9bIal
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) February 28, 2026
Read more: Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh pay tribute to Jammu and Kashmir heroes after Ranji Trophy win







