Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Oct 15: After years of anticipation, the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar roared back to life on Wednesday as the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season began with Jammu and Kashmir facing the mighty Mumbai side.
The October morning quickly turned electric as fans packed the stands, waving flags and cheering for their home team.
“It feels historic to see top-level cricket back in Srinagar. We have waited years for this,” said Cricket enthusiast Aamir Rashid, who travelled from Baramulla to witness the match while speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Earlier, J&K Skipper won the toss and opted to field first — a decision that immediately paid dividends when pacer Auqib Nabi struck in the very first over, removing Mumbai’s Sarfraz Khan caught behind.
However, the absence of J&K’s pace sensation Umran Malik became the talking point of the day. Residents hailed the match as a milestone for the region.
“Hosting Mumbai in a Ranji opener is not just about cricket, but about bringing confidence back to Kashmir’s sporting landscape,” said Waseem, a local from Srinagar.
It is worth mentioning that the return of Ranji Trophy matches to Srinagar comes after a significant gap, with most fixtures in recent years being held outside the valley due to security and logistical concerns.
Moreover, the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, once a regular venue for domestic and international matches, last hosted a full Ranji game several seasons ago. (KNO)
