Srinagar, July 8: Hosts NIT Srinagar successfully defended their title and were crowned champions of the All-India Inter-NIT Faculty & Staff Cricket Tournament (Men) 2026 after defeating NIT Puducherry by 88 runs in a one-sided grand finale.
The victory marked NIT Srinagar’s fourth title in the history of the tournament, underlining the institute’s dominance in Inter-NIT faculty and staff cricket.
Congratulating the winning team, Director, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, said the Institute is proud for successfully defending the title and host another successful edition of the tournament.
He lauded the players for their sportsmanship and competitive spirit, appreciated the efforts of the organising committee, officials, volunteers and support staff, and congratulated all participating NITs for contributing to the success of the event.
Prof. Kanaujia said such tournaments promote teamwork, camaraderie and stronger inter-institutional ties among the National Institutes of Technology.
After winning the toss, NIT Srinagar elected to bat first and posted a formidable 187/4 in 20 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Suhail Baba starred with a blistering unbeaten 64 off 32 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes.
Aaqib Sheikh scored a fluent 50 off 38 deliveries, including six fours and a six, while skipper Faisal Irshad anchored the innings with a composed 29 off 32 balls. Shahid Hamid remained unbeaten on 12 off eight deliveries as the hosts finished on a commanding total.
For NIT Puducherry, Ismail M was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/30 in four overs. Gowrishankar claimed 1/29 in four overs, while Murugapandi S picked up 1/27 in three overs. Sudhakar V conceded 26 runs in his four-over spell, CK Prakash gave away 60 runs in four overs, and Alaguraja K bowled one over for 10 runs.
Chasing 188 for victory, NIT Puducherry were bowled out for 99 in 18.1 overs, handing NIT Srinagar a comprehensive 88-run victory.
Muthu top-scored for Puducherry with 41 off 34 balls, including seven boundaries. Murugapandi S remained unbeaten on 16 off 21 balls, while Ismail M made 10. Alaguraja K (6), Edwin Johnny Divy (4), Sudhakar V (3), Karthik N (3), CK Prakash (2), Gopinath A (2) and Kavin Nivak (1) failed to make significant contributions.
NIT Srinagar’s bowlers produced a clinical performance. Dr. Mohsin starred with figures of 3/13 in three overs, while Dr. Majid Hussain also claimed three wickets to finish with 3/26 in 3.1 overs. Dr. Shakeel Waseem took 2/26 in four overs, Mudasir Qadir returned figures of 1/6 in two overs, Shahid Hamid claimed 1/12 in four overs, and Dr. Manoj Kumar bowled two economical overs, conceding just 13 runs.
Suhail Baba was adjudged the Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 64 off 32 balls and claiming one wicket.
The Best Batsman and Man of the Series awards were presented to Aaqib Sheikh of NIT Srinagar, who finished the tournament with 364 runs, including two centuries and one half-century. The Best Bowler award went to Ismail M of NIT Puducherry, who finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets.
Akash Sharma of NIT Hamirpur was named the Best Fielder for effecting 14 dismissals during the tournament.
The award ceremony concluded with the presentation of trophies and mementoes to the winners, runners-up, match officials and dignitaries.
The tournament report was presented by the Observer, Dr. Prashant S. Nagrale of VNIT Nagpur, who commended NIT Srinagar for the successful conduct of the championship.
He praised the meticulous planning, seamless coordination, excellent hospitality and outstanding arrangements made by the host institute, expressing satisfaction with the professional management of the tournament and congratulating the organisers for hosting the event in a befitting manner.
The valedictory and prize distribution ceremony was attended by Registrar, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman; Dean Faculty Welfare, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahanger; SAS Officer, Kowsar Ali Mir, Deans, Heads of Departments (HoDs), Heads of Centres (HoCs), Chairpersons, Chairmen, faculty members, staff, members of the organising committee, and representatives from various sections of NIT Srinagar.
A felicitation ceremony was also held to honour dignitaries, officials, representatives of the participating institutes and sponsors, reflecting the warm hospitality and organisational excellence of NIT Srinagar.
The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Manoj Kumar, Faculty In-Charge of the Sports Activity Centre (SAS). He acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the organising committee, volunteers, officials, participating teams and support staff for ensuring the successful conduct of the championship.
He also expressed gratitude to the participating institutes, distinguished guests, sponsors and everyone associated with the successful organisation of the tournament.
The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, bringing the All India Inter-NIT Faculty & Staff Cricket Tournament (Men) 2026 to a memorable conclusion.
Earlier, NIT Hamirpur secured third place in the tournament after defeating NIT Jalandhar by 16 runs in the third-place playoff played at the Physical Education College Ground, Ganderbal.
Batting first, NIT Hamirpur posted 155/6 in 20 overs. Captain Surender Soni led from the front with 39 off 28 balls, while Manish contributed 36 off 24 deliveries, Vivek Tiwari scored 25 and Neeraj Dhiman added a quick 19 off just nine balls.
In reply, NIT Jalandhar were restricted to 139/7 in their allotted 20 overs despite useful contributions from Nitin Sharma (28), Avishek Singh (27) and Manjeet Singh (20 not out).
NIT Hamirpur’s bowlers produced a disciplined performance, with Aman Kumar and Surender Soni picking up two wickets each, while Manish and TP Sharma chipped in with one wicket apiece to seal a 16-run victory and secure third place in the tournament.
