Srinagar, Feb 28: In an unprecedented and proud moment for the Union Territory, the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Team scripted history by winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 67 years, defeating Karnataka in a remarkable final.
The landmark victory has drawn widespread appreciation from the business community across the region, with leading trade and industry bodies terming the triumph a defining chapter in J&K’s sporting journey.
KCC&I Hails Historic Milestone, Calls for Sports Infrastructure Upgrade
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) extended its heartfelt congratulations to the team, describing the Ranji Trophy win as a moment of immense pride for the entire Jammu and Kashmir. The Chamber noted that the Ranji Trophy represents the pinnacle of domestic cricket in India and said the team’s grit, discipline and fighting spirit were instrumental in achieving this long-awaited success.
KCC&I lauded the players for their determination and consistency throughout the tournament, stating that they played with heart and left no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence. The Chamber also appreciated the role of the team management, selectors and cricket administrators for ensuring a fair, transparent and merit-based selection process that allowed genuine talent to flourish.
Emphasising that the victory should serve as a blueprint for other sports such as football, hockey and athletics, KCC&I urged the government and stakeholders to significantly upgrade and modernise sports infrastructure across the region. It called for the immediate upgradation of key sporting venues, including Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, Polo Ground, Bakshi Stadium and Gani Memorial Stadium, as well as improved facilities in Jammu and district-level stadiums. The Chamber further highlighted that many school and college playgrounds remain underutilised and should be integrated into a structured sports development framework.
FCIK Terms Victory a Watershed Moment After 67-Year Wait
The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), representing the industrial fraternity of the Valley, described the triumph as a “watershed moment” in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir. Congratulating the team on their emphatic victory over Karnataka, FCIK said the achievement brought unprecedented glory to the region after a wait of nearly seven decades.
The Federation praised the unity, confidence and determination displayed by the players throughout the tournament. It made special mention of Auqib Nabi for his outstanding performance and acknowledged the crucial contributions of the top and middle-order batsmen whose responsible and match-defining innings laid a strong foundation for the win. FCIK also appreciated the sharp fielding and professional discipline demonstrated by the team.
Calling the victory a moment of collective pride, FCIK said it sends a powerful message that with perseverance, structured support and belief in local talent, youth from Jammu & Kashmir can excel at national platforms. The Federation welcomed the announcement of cash rewards and employment opportunities for the players, terming it a morale booster for aspiring cricketers across the region.
KTMF Calls It a Golden Chapter in J&K’s Sporting History
The Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) termed the Ranji Trophy triumph a golden chapter in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement issued in Srinagar, KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan congratulated the entire team, calling the achievement a moment of collective pride for every household in the Union Territory.
“Winning the prestigious Ranji Trophy for the first time is not merely a sporting success but a testament to perseverance, discipline, unity and the indomitable spirit of our youth,” Khan said. He added that the players, coaching staff and management displayed exceptional dedication and resilience throughout the tournament.
Khan further stated that such achievements uplift societal morale, strengthen unity and project a positive image of Jammu and Kashmir across the country. “Today, the cricket team has not only won a trophy but has won the hearts of millions. You have truly made us proud,” he remarked, expressing hope that this victory will pave the way for many more milestones in the future.
CCI Jammu Says Triumph Will Inspire Generations
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu also hailed the team’s historic win. CCI Jammu President Arun Gupta congratulated the players, coaching staff and support personnel for their outstanding performance, dedication and determination.
He described the final, held in Hubballi, Karnataka, as a display of dominance by J&K over the eight-time champions and termed the day historic and emotional for cricket lovers across the region. Gupta said the triumph would inspire countless young cricketers in Jammu and Kashmir to pursue their dreams with confidence and renewed determination.
He emphasised that such victories showcase the immense sporting talent present in the Union Territory and reaffirm the region’s potential to excel on national platforms.
KTA Says Victory Strengthens Hope and Unity
The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) also joined in congratulating the team, calling the triumph a proud and defining moment for Jammu and Kashmir.
KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar said, “This historic victory is a proud moment for every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. Our cricket team has shown that with hard work, discipline and belief, no goal is beyond reach.” He added that the triumph after decades of wait reflects the resilience and immense potential of the region’s youth.
Shahdhar further remarked, “The team has not only won the Ranji Trophy but has strengthened the spirit of hope and positivity across Jammu and Kashmir. We are confident that this success will inspire more youth to pursue sports with dedication and bring further laurels to our region.”
As celebrations continue across towns and cities with sweets distributed and jubilant scenes witnessed throughout the Union Territory, the historic first-ever Ranji Trophy victory stands as a symbol of aspiration, unity and a new era in Jammu and Kashmir’s sporting history.
