NEW DELHI: The cricket fraternity came together to celebrate Jammu & Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, as tributes poured in from legends and administrators alike.Sachin Tendulkar hailed the moment as a beautiful transformation for the region. “The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions’ kits. To see Jammu & Kashmir’s journey from being an enabler of champions, to becoming champions themselves, is beautiful,” he wrote on X.
Reflecting on the team’s campaign, he added, “The season was built on consistency, resilience, and season-long excellence. Auqib Nabi’s impact with the ball stood out in a demanding campaign.“A historic moment for the team, coaches, and support staff. Journeys like these define the beauty of domestic cricket.”ICC chairman Jay Shah also congratulated the team after their fairytale win over Karnataka in their first-ever Ranji final. “Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance. While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from J&K who have toiled behind the scenes to fashion this landmark achievement. I am sure that this win will ignite belief in the hearts of the current generation from the region and drive the next one to pick up a bat or ball. Our sport is rich with such stories of inspiration from around the world, and I hope this one also receives its fair share of admiration,” he wrote.Mohammad Kaif shared, “Historic day for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Having led UP to its first Ranji Trophy title, I know what this moment means to the players and the state. More players from J&K will now believe that they too can do it.”Irfan Pathan posted, “Many congratulations to J&K cricket for creating history by winning the first-ever Ranji Trophy. I never had even a shadow of a doubt that you guys will achieve this and many more trophies.”Aakash Chopra wrote, “Jammu & Kashmir, you beauty. The story for the ages. So so happy for what our boys have achieved. Indian cricket is in a safe and happy place.”Shikhar Dhawan added, “Historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Maiden Ranji Trophy title built on belief, strong leadership from Paras Dogra, and a remarkable season with the ball from Auqib Nabi. Big contributions from Shubham Pundir, Yawer Hassan, Qamran Iqbal, Sahil Lotra, Abdul Samad, and the entire unit. Proud moment.”Harbhajan Singh said, “Will to win, that’s what matters. What a day for Jammu & Kashmir. Well done, simply outstanding, winning the Ranji Trophy isn’t easy at all. They have played terrific cricket throughout the season and played like a unit: many congratulations and many more trophies to come. Great to see Cricket growing in the Jammu and Kashmir region.”Yuvraj Singh posted, “Unbelievable! History has been written today! Huge congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team for clinching their maiden #RanjiTrophy title after 67 long years! Dominating Karnataka with pure grit, heart, and unbreakable spirit. Proud beyond words of #AuqibNabi’s fire, #QamranIqbal’s masterclass, and the entire squad and training staff’s belief! J&K cricket has arrived! Keep shining, boys!”Suresh Raina simply wrote, “Congratulations on the maiden Ranji Trophy, Jammu & Kashmir.“Jammu & Kashmir crowned the Ranji Trophy champions for the first time ever. A monumental moment for the state and domestic cricket!! Well done, team, truly well deserved.”
