Irani Cup Returns to Srinagar After Four Decades, BCCI Backs New Stadiums
Irani Cup Returns to Srinagar After Four Decades, BCCI Backs New Stadiums
Historic Moment As Irani Cup Returns To Srinagar After Almost Four Decades, BCCI Assures Full Support To JKCA For Building Stadiums In Jammu And Srinagar To Host Bigger And International Matches: BCCI Chairman Mithun Manhas
Srinagar, Oct 1 : Terming the hosting of Irani Cup 2026 in Srinagar as a moment of great happiness, BCCI Chairman Mithun Manhas on Thursday said the Board will fully support Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association to build stadiums and bring bigger matches, including international games, to J&K.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Irani Cup at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, as per GNS, Manhas said, “I would want more matches to come here. A match of this level is happening after almost four decades, so it is a matter of great happiness.
Cricket has returned. Effort from the Board will continue and JKCA will have full support of the BCCI so that they can organize matches on a bigger scale and also bring international games.”
On whether T20 matches like those held in other states can be held in Srinagar, he said basic infrastructure is essential which could not be built till now, but the new JKCA body is expected to work on it.
“Recently the new body has been formed, we hope their focus will be on building stadiums. From BCCI side, I assure we will support them fully.”
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The BCCI Chairman said hosting such matches will boost local talent. “That is why you are seeing Ranji champions and you are playing Irani Cup. Today J&K has done quite well and Rest of India also made a strong comeback. Tomorrow morning’s session will be very important.”
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He said JKCA should have grounds in both Jammu and Srinagar. “I have said earlier, it is the state association’s job to have stadiums, not only here but in Jammu as well, wherever under their jurisdiction they must have grounds. Efforts should be that stadiums are there in both Jammu and Srinagar and as I said BCCI’s full support will be there.”
He recalled that BCCI ran JKCA from June 2021 to 2025 and praised its performance during that period. “The way JKCA performed during that period is commendable and credit goes to BCCI, especially Jay Shah ji who visited J&K after almost 67 years and saw everything in detail and gave full support to the sub-committee due to which they could do something for children and children also showed wonders. Talent was there earlier also, it just needed direction.”
“When you give confidence to a player, result is in front of you – they became Ranji Trophy champions. The new body is also doing quite good work so far and it is commendable. My hope is they support more so that Jammu Kashmir cricket grows further,” he added.
On his message to youth, Manhas said, “Message is very simple, be sincere to yourself, work hard. Recently you saw Aqib Nabi’s selection. It proves that no matter where you are from, he is from Baramulla, if you see his story, it is very inspiring. Not just his, there are many players who have not come to forefront yet but their story is similar. So just keep working hard, if you are talented and hardworking and have passion, you will definitely play for the country. Not just for Kashmiri youth but for entire Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.”
The Irani Cup 2026, presented by Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association, is being played from October 1-5, 2026 in Srinagar.(GNS)