Srinagar Promised Full BCCI Support Amid Historic Irani Cup Match

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Mithun Manhas has declared the organisation’s readiness to extend comprehensive support for the development of cricket infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The statement was made in Srinagar following the first day of the Irani Cup match at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium, where the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) team hosted the Rest of India side.

Manhas emphasised that the BCCI is keen to host high-profile matches in the region and intends to assist the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) in expanding its tournament calendar.

Irani Cup Returns to the Kashmir Valley After Nearly Four Decades

The Irani Cup is an annual match between the reigning Ranji Trophy champions and the Rest of India. This season, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) team earned the right to host the opposition after claiming the title of the country’s premier domestic tournament. Staging a match of this stature in Srinagar for the first time in nearly 40 years transformed the event into something far greater than a mere sporting contest.

“I would love to see more games like this being played here. A match of this level has taken place after nearly four decades, and the fact that big cricket has returned to the valley brings immense joy,” Manhas told reporters.

What BCCI Is Prepared to Offer the Region

Manhas stated that the BCCI will support the JKCA in its ambition to host larger tournaments, including international-level matches. According to him, the region’s potential has already been demonstrated through results, and the task now is to create the conditions for staging major competitions on a regular basis.

He stressed that the construction of basic infrastructure remains a prerequisite for expanding the programme, including the hosting of T20 matches. “The basic infrastructure, which has not yet been created, is the foundation. The association’s new management, formed recently, has made stadium construction one of its priorities. On behalf of the BCCI, I assure them that they will receive our full support,” Manhas noted.

Cricket Venues Beyond the Two Capitals

A separate theme in the BCCI president’s address was the geography of development. Manhas called for infrastructure construction to extend beyond Srinagar and Jammu, reaching all territories within the association’s jurisdiction. Among specific destinations, he mentioned Rajouri and Poonch.

In essence, the vision involves creating a network of venues that will open pathways for both grassroots cricket and professional competition in previously underserved areas.

Cricket as Part of the Region’s Way of Life

For Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), these measures carry genuine significance, as cricket is deeply loved here. This is evident from the packed stands at Sher-e-Kashmir, street matches in almost every neighbourhood, and the renowned bats crafted from Kashmir willow by master artisans in Anantnag for decades. There are also indirect indicators, such as the interest of residents in cricket betting. Our conclusions are based not only on expert opinion. According to data on cricket betting apps collected here, the number of downloads of such applications by users from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has grown noticeably of late. The audience for big cricket in the region is already established, and new venues in Rajouri and Poonch will allow fans to watch the game in person, rather than solely on a smartphone screen.

The Ranji Trophy Title as the Strongest Argument

Manhas linked the infrastructure discussion to the team’s achievements. Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) victory in the Ranji Trophy and participation in the Irani Cup, he said, serve as direct proof of the high potential of local players. “This is a powerful boost for talent. That is precisely why you became Ranji champions and are playing the Irani Cup. Today’s performance by J&K was very commendable,” he concluded.

On the first day of the match, the hosts bowled out Rest of India for 237, before closing the day’s play at 21/2. Manhas noted that the opening session of the second day would largely determine the direction of the contest.

BCCI Administration and Jay Shah’s Legacy

Manhas recalled that from June 2021 to 2025, the BCCI directly administered the operations of the JKCA. He described the results of that period as notable and commendable. The experience demonstrated that external managerial support and systematic process refinement can yield tangible results in a region where talent has always existed but required direction.

Manhas expressed particular gratitude to former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. “Jay Shah was the first secretary to personally visit Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). He paid attention to every detail and extended full support to the sub-committee in order to create opportunities for children and young players,” Manhas said. He regards the team’s current successes as the result of providing the “right direction” to talent that has long existed in the region.

The Inspiring Journey of Auqib Nabi from Baramulla

When asked about his message to young cricketers in the region, Manhas responded concisely and offered a specific example. Fast bowler Auqib Nabi from Baramulla recently received a call-up to the Indian national team. According to the BCCI president, this story compellingly proves that reaching the highest level is possible from any corner of the country.

• Nabi grew up in a small town far from the main cricket centres
• Manhas described his journey as “a very inspiring story”
• The BCCI president considers sincerity, hard work, and passion for the game to be the key factors behind his success

“If you have talent, hard work, and passion, you will surely move the country forward,” Manhas concluded.