25/08/2026
First Time in History: J&K to Host Irani Cup
Mithun Manhas’ leadership pushes J&K cricket to new heights
Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir is set to host the prestigious Irani Cup for the first time in history, marking another landmark moment for cricket in the Union Territory and underlining its growing stature on the national cricketing map. The five-day contest will see Jammu & Kashmir take on the Rest of India, bringing one of Indian domestic cricket’s most prestigious fixtures to J&K. The development comes at a time when J&K cricket has been witnessing a significant transformation. Since Mithun Manhas took charge as BCCI President, Jammu & Kashmir cricket has increasingly found itself in the national spotlight, with the region achieving milestones that were once considered difficult to imagine. J&K created history by winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time, and the hosting of the Irani Cup now adds another major achievement to its cricketing journey. The rise has also been reflected in the growing presence of J&K players at the highest levels of the game. Several players from the region have earned opportunities in the Indian Premier League, while others have pushed their claims for national selection and represented India. For Manhas, a “son of the soil”, the latest development represents another step in his efforts to put J&K cricket firmly on the national and international map. His supporters point to the increasing opportunities for young cricketers, improved visibility and the growing recognition of J&K as a serious cricketing destination. The hosting of the Irani Cup is therefore being viewed as more than just another domestic fixture. It is a symbol of how far J&K cricket has travelled and the possibilities that lie ahead for its young talent. While the transformation has been welcomed by young cricketers and cricket followers, sections of the old JKCA establishment may not be pleased with the changes and the new direction of the game. However, the focus among aspiring cricketers remains firmly on opportunities, infrastructure and the chance to compete at the highest level. With the Irani Cup coming to J&K for the first time, another historic chapter is now set to be written in the region’s cricketing history.
