‘Watershed moment’: How J&K’s Ranji win united politicians – and the two regions

Describing the victory as a “watershed moment” in Jammu and Kashmir’s sports history, Omar said the players could be considered for government appointments.

“The landmark win has filled the entire region with pride and inspiration,” Chief Minister Omar said. “The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons”.

Mufti said the win had given people a rare moment of joy after a long time, saying the emphatic victory is a “reminder to the world that the spirit of J&K can never be broken”.

“This victory is also a powerful reply to those forces that seek to divide our society on religious lines,” former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said. “The triumph was made possible by the united effort of a team made up of both Hindu and Muslim players, proving once again that unity is our greatest strength…Together we rise, together we succeed, and today’s win.”

BJP’s J&K President Sat Sharma congratulated the team for creating history. “History created! Heartiest congratulations to Team J&K on winning the Ranji Trophy 2026 final,” Sharma said. “Your grit, passion and teamwork have made the entire Jammu and Kashmir immensely proud”.

Congratulating the team, Communist leader M Y Tarigami said: “After a 67-year wait, Jammu & Kashmir finally scripted history by clinching the Ranji Trophy, etching its name in the annals of Indian cricket. Congratulations and best wishes”.

Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone said a “long wait” is over. “Jammu and Kashmir finally are the champions of cricket in the country. Congratulations to the team. Congratulations to the team management. And congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “What a long wait it has been”.

“This remarkable triumph marks a historic milestone not only for the team but for the entire people of the Union Territory,” Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari said. “This is truly a moment of celebration and pride, representing a historic achievement. I congratulate each and every member of the team, as well as everyone who played a role in this tremendous victory”.

Bashaarat Masood is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express. He has been covering Jammu and Kashmir, especially the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, for two decades. Bashaarat joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. He has been writing on politics, conflict and development. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012 for his stories on the Pathribal fake encounter. Expertise and Experience Two Decades of Frontline Reporting: Bashaarat has spent 20 years documenting the evolution of Kashmir, from high-intensity conflict and political shifts to socio-economic development. Award-Winning Investigative Journalism: He is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award (2012). This honor was bestowed for his reporting on the Pathribal fake encounter, a series of stories that highlighted his ability to handle sensitive human rights and security issues with investigative rigor. Specialized Beats: His authoritative coverage spans: Political Transitions: Tracking the shift from statehood to Union Territory, electoral dynamics, and the pulse of local governance. Security & Conflict: Providing nuanced reporting on counter-insurgency, civil liberties, and the impact of the conflict on the civilian population. Development: Documenting the infrastructure, healthcare, and educational landscape within the Valley. Academic Background: He holds a Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, providing him with a localized academic and professional foundation that is rare in regional reporting. ... Read More

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