JAMMU, Feb 28:
Celebrations erupted across Jammu and Kashmir after the Union territory scripted history by clinching its maiden Ranji Trophy title, triggering jubilant scenes marked by firecrackers, dhol beats and distribution of sweets in Jammu and other places linked to the team members.
In Jammu, celebrations first broke out at the headquarters of the J&K Cricket Association soon after the historic win. Children, association members and cricketers danced to dhol beats as crackers lit up the sky, calling the achievement a proud moment for the Union territory.
“How can we even describe this victory? It is unbelievable…like a dream come true,” JKCA official Rajesh Dhar told reporters. “The credit goes to the players, the administration and the mentorship of our chairman, Mithun Manhas.”
Dhar recalled that Manhas had said in 2021 he would consider himself successful only when J&K won the Ranji Trophy. “That determination was there. We defeated Madhya Pradesh at home in the quarterfinals, beat Bengal on their home turf in the semifinals and then overcame Karnataka in the final,” he said.
JKCA member Brigadier Anil Gupta said the victory was “a dream come true” for all those who worked towards the goal. Former Ranji player Raja Saleem also hailed the achievement as historic, expressing hope that the triumph would inspire the youth.
Families of players distributed sweets, exchanged warm embraces and greeted well-wishers as neighbours and relatives flocked to their homes to share in the landmark moment.
Celebrations also held at the residences of Sahil Lotra, who struck his maiden first-class century in the final. Lotra’s knock-off 223 deliveries-helped pile up a massive second-innings total against Karnataka and seal the title.
Satish Wadhawan, father of player Kanhaiya Wadhawan, termed the victory historic. “This is a moment of pride for me and for J&K. The captain Paras Dogra ensured unity in the team, and the coaching staff was fantastic,” he said.
Kanhaiya’s mother, Bindu Wadhawan, said the players’ hard work had paid off. “They created history,” she added.
Preeti Charak, elder sister of right-arm medium-fast Yudhvir Singh, described the victory as overwhelming. “This win belongs to everyone who supported these boys — coaches, families and the entire community. We are thankful for all the love pouring in.”
Recalling the early days, she said her brother remained firm in his ambition to pursue cricket despite concerns about job security.
“Our father wanted him to take up a secure career, even become a lieutenant (in the Army). But he was clear — he only wanted to become a cricketer. Eventually, we gave him full support,” she said.
In Kathhar village of Akhnoor, the home of bowler Sunil Kumar, residents gathered in large numbers, beating drums and joining the family in celebrations as news of the victory spread.
Sunil’s mother, Rekha Devi, said she had always believed her son would make the family proud. “One day, my son will represent India. We are very happy and thankful to everyone who supported him,” she said.
His father, Ram Lal Verma, termed it a matter of immense pride. “My son has made us proud. He never touched any toy except a bat and a ball since childhood. My blessings are with him and with the entire team,” he said.
Shafqat Baba, a sport icon in the Chenab region, who represented Jammu and Kashmir in all the three formats, besides being the bowling coach, said, “Our dream has become a reality, and this win will surely go a long way to fulfil the dreams of youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Former Indian cricketers, too, congratulated the side. The ex-southpaw and ace fielder Suresh Raina called it “a proud moment for Indian domestic cricket,” while cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan described the win as truly inspiring, recalling the mentoring role played by his brother Irfan Pathan during his time with J&K cricket.
Former Ranji player Jatin Wadhawan described the occasion as a defining moment for cricket in the Union territory.
“We had dreamt of this during our time as well. It may not have been fulfilled then, but today it has become a reality,” Wadhawan, who is also the elder brother of wicketkeeper batter of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team, said.
Youngsters from local cricket academies said the triumph had ignited fresh hope among aspiring players.
“If they can do it, so can we. This victory proves that talent from Jammu and Kashmir can shine at the national level,” Sikander, a budding cricketer who joined the celebrations at the association lawns, said. (PTI)
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