HUBBALLI: Omar Abdullah hailed the J&K Ranji team as they stand on the brink of scripting history in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 final against Karnataka cricket team at the KSCA Hubballi Cricket Ground.
With an overall lead swelling past 500 runs on Day 5, Jammu & Kashmir have virtually sealed the contest, moving within touching distance of their maiden Ranji Trophy title. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary also termed the achievement a moment of immense pride for the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters, Omar Abdullah said many had doubted the team’s chances, but their remarkable journey proves that self-belief makes all the difference. He credited the players, support staff, and everyone involved for the historic campaign, expressing hope that the trophy would return home and inspire a new generation of cricketers from the region to represent India at the highest level.
J&K tightened their grip after bowling Karnataka out for 293 in reply to their imposing first-innings total of 584, securing a commanding 291-run lead. In the second innings, despite early setbacks, a crucial stand between Abdul Samad and Qamran Iqbal steadied the side.
At stumps on Day 4, Qamran Iqbal was unbeaten on 94, later converting it into a century, while Sahil Lotra brought up his half-century. With Iqbal (108*) and Lotra (50*) at the crease and the lead extended to 525 runs, J&K now stand just steps away from a historic triumph.
