Delhi cricket continues to show their poor performance in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2025/26 at the home ground, Arun Jaitley Stadium, against Jammu and Kashmir. For the first time in the history of India’s first-class cricket, J&K have beaten this opponent in 42 attempts and 65 years. It was another successive defeat for Delhi after their loss to Pondicherry last week.

Winning the toss, the visitors decided to bowl first on a surface that they expected to help the pacers in the foggy conditions on the opening day. Auqib Nabi, who could be the upcoming star for India, led their bowling with five wickets in 16 overs for 35 runs, while Vanshaj Sharma and Abid Mushtaq’s combined four wickets blew away Delhi for 211 runs in the first innings.

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Only their three batters of the middle order, Ayush Badoni, Ayush Doseja, and Sumit Mathur, celebrated their respective fifties. In reply, Jammu and Kashmir posted a massive score of 310 runs in their first innings to collect a lead of 99 runs as their captain, Paras Dogra, celebrated a fine century.

Watch: Jammu and Kashmir scripts maiden Ranji Trophy victory against Delhi in 65 years

Apart from Dogra’s century, Abdul Samad smashed 85 runs while the wicket-keeper batter, Kanhaiya Wadhawan, got 47 runs in 81 balls. At 244/3 in the second innings, everything was swinging in Delhi’s favor as their captain, Badoni, made 72 runs while Doseja grabbed 62 runs in 88 deliveries. But suddenly, there was a rush of blood and Delhi fell like a pack of cards.

A monumental victory! 👏

J & K register an impressive 7⃣-wicket win against Delhi on the back of Qamran Iqbal's knock of 133*(147) 👍

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/tMwkPihrxx@IDFCFIRSTBank | #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/1YF5aGzFKm

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) November 11, 2025

The home side lost their last seven wickets for just 33 runs in 12 overs, with Vanshaj Sharma ending with a fine figure of 6/68 in 16.1 overs, while Sahil Lotra collected three wickets in 23 overs at an economy rate of 3.20. Delhi set the target of just 179 runs for the fourth innings.

The target was never expected to create trouble for the Jammu and Kashmir side, and if there was any, their opener, Qamran Iqbal, remained unbeaten on 133 runs in just 147 balls with the help of 20 boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 90.48, to complete the chase by seven wickets.

The Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL), a T20 tournament held in Jammu and Kashmir, came to an abrupt end over the weekend after a major controversy. As some reports suggest, some organisers involved in the event put some legendary players like Gayle, Martin Guptill, and other local players in trouble and left the city without even clearing the Hotel and other necessary bills.

The T20 tournament had some notable players like Chris Gayle, Thisara Perera, and Martin Guptill, with a bunch of promising Indian talents. Though the tournament was for the improvement of cricket culture in the heaven on Earth, Jammu and Kashmir, the reality was totally different, bitter, and chaotic. As soon as this happened, the next scheduled match on Sunday was immediately called off. 

People who were there found difficulties contacting the organisers, and as a result, approximately 40 players were stuck in a hotel in Srinagar with payment uncertainty and other issues. This T20 tournament was planned to showcase the beauty of Kashmir and boost tourism, but the end result was tragic and poor, and raised questions over management credibility.

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IHPL T20 in Kashmir Abruptly Ends Amid Major Controversy:

An English umpire, Mellissa Juniper said, “ Organisers have fled from the hotel. They have not paid the hotel, the players, or the umpires. We've reached an agreement with the hotel so players can go home. It's unfair to keep them here away from their families.”

IHPL organisers reportedly flee to Delhi,Leaving 70 local & national players,stranded over unpaid dues This is diabolical to cricket lovers and to the image of Country says Umpires.@OmarAbdullah @OfficeOfLGJandK @JmuKmrPolice @ICC @BCCI pic.twitter.com/RMoIggchh8

— Sufi Hidayah (@hidayah_su61389) November 2, 2025

According to staff at The Residency Hotel, the organisers had promoted the Indian Heaven Premier League as a major cricketing event for Jammu and Kashmir. They had booked around 150 rooms for a ten-day stay, showcasing the scale and ambition of the much-hyped tournament. 

As per TOI, an official said, “ They promised a grand event with stars like Chris Gayle to boost Kashmiri tourism. On Sunday morning, we found they had disappeared without clearing dues.”

A few players, including Chris Gayle, left the hotel on Saturday after noticing irregularities with the organisers and the event’s management. Former India cricketer Parvez Rasool mentioned that several participants also experienced travel delays, adding to the growing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Heaven Premier League. He said, “ An English umpire had to contact the British embassy.”

Announced on September 18, the tournament generated excitement across Jammu and Kashmir. Team mentor Surinder Khanna described it as a “great opportunity for the region’s youth,” expressing hope that the event would help discover emerging talents similar to Umran Malik and Parvez Rasool from the valley.

Although big names like Chris Gayle initially drew some spectators, the crowd numbers soon dropped significantly. This decline forced organisers to reduce ticket prices, which in turn caused sponsorship troubles and several other challenges, adding to the growing issues surrounding the Indian Heaven Premier League.

Parvez Rasool became the very first player from Jammu and Kashmir to feature for the Indian cricket team. He was also the first player from the state to be part of the Indian Premier League in 2013 for the Pune Warriors India before playing the 2014 and 2015 editions for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His last game was in 2016 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). 

Rasool, the Jammu and Kashmir player, made his debut against Bangladesh in Mirpur during the 2014 ODI game. He picked up two wickets for 60 runs in 10 overs at an economy rate of six to restrict the home side to 272/9 as India completed the successful DLS chase by seven wickets.

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“When I started playing cricket, no one knew about J&K cricket. Thanks to the Almighty, we qualified twice for the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy under my captaincy. In fact, I captained J&K for six consecutive years. I'm so happy to see that today, our boys look to compete in domestic cricket, while earlier they would just come to participate. I am looking to contribute by coaching and playing in overseas T20 leagues.” Rasool expressed during an interaction on Times of India (TOI).

Parvez Rasool becomes first Jammu and Kashmir player to play for India

Rasool made his one and only T20I game against England at the Green Park stadium in Kanpur. In four overs, he ended with figures of 1/32 at an economy rate of eight.

“I was part of the India squad for eight matches before that — five games in Zimbabwe and three against Bangladesh. I didn't do that deliberately. Someone who comes from a relatively smaller cricketing region knows how much hard work it takes to play for India one day. Why would anyone do that kind of thing intentionally to destroy their career? That would be madness.” The J&K player shed light.

“Definitely, that regret is there. I played two white-ball matches for India, but I wanted to play Test cricket, especially after I took seven for 45 for Board President’s XI against Australia (in Chennai, February 2013). However, this is destiny. You try hard to do well. Thanks to the Almighty, I have a tremendous record for J&K with bat and ball.” Rasool addressed.

The 36-year-old right-arm spinner, Parvez Rasool, was the first player from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India in international cricket and also became the first player from the region to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL). On October 19, he retired from all formats of the game. In his 17-year epic career, he played first-class cricket for 15 seasons.

Rasool didn’t feature for Jammu and Kashmir in the last two seasons. The spin all-rounder has claimed 352 wickets at an average of 27.21 in 95 encounters and smashed 5648 runs at an average of around 39 with the help of 16 centuries and 22 half-centuries.

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The 36-year-old, who hails from Bijbehara in Kashmir, was one of the consistent members of the domestic level throughout his international career, which didn’t last more than one solitary game in the 50-over format and the shortest format. The last of these came nearly eight years ago. He, however, now has a serious chance of pursuing the coaching of cricket.

Parvez Rasool retires from all forms of cricket after successful stint with Jammu and Kashmir

The 36-year-old spinner has picked up three international wickets in two clashes against Bangladesh and England in ODIs and T20Is, respectively, besides picking up four wickets in 11 IPL innings for three franchises.

“Yes, I've retired from cricket. Obviously, playing for India was the proudest moment of my life. Coming from J&K, which wasn't known much for cricket, I went on to win the Lala Amarnath Trophy for the best all-rounder in the Ranji Trophy on two occasions (in 2013-14 and 2017-18), and became the first from my region to play for India and in the IPL. I feel nice to have contributed to the game.” Rasool expressed during a recent interaction on Times of India (TOI).

“Moving forward, I've cleared my Level-II (coaching certificate from the BCCI Center of Excellence). I want to do full-time coaching, contribute to Indian cricket, and pass on what I’ve learnt from my experience to young cricketers. I want the youngsters to get a chance. You have to retire at some point.” Rasool addressed.

The 2025-26 season of the Ranji Trophy has begun all around the world as Mumbai, the most title-winning state team, faced Jammu and Kashmir in their opening encounter of the event at the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. The visitors were under the new leadership of Shardul Thakur after their last year’s captain, Ajinkya Rahane, decided to step down from his place.

However, a video has gone viral where a renowned journalist, Mohsin Kamal, who is the editor of Kashmir Sports Watch, has again been denied entry to the stadium despite being accredited by the BCCI. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), even in the past, didn’t let him come through to the stadium.

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Kamal has been barred from entering the stadium, even as a spectator, while the general fans are allowed inside the stadium. The stated reason, according to the journalist, is to work for different outlets where he has consistently highlighted the systematic issues within the JSCA, including mismanagement and favoritism toward selective players.

Watch: Renowned journalist denied to cover Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash between Jammu and Kashmir and Mumbai in viral video

These exposés have positioned him as a critical voice for transparency in J&K cricket. But they appear to have led to retaliation from the officials of the ground, such as the head of Srinagar, Majid Dar. The BCCI, despite the rising concerns of Kamal’s appeals, has not taken any step as he keeps missing the chance to cover these games.

Yet again JKCA isn’t allowing me to cover the J&K and Mumbai #RanjiTrophy match in Srinagar despite the BCCI accreditation. Same happened last year. My only crime: reporting the truth. It’s more disappointing that this is happening in presence of BCCI president @MithunManhas pic.twitter.com/mPaEQJ8xVv

— Mohsin Kamal (@64MohsinKamal) October 15, 2025

In the encounter, Mumbai didn’t make a great start with the bat as they found themselves three down for 74 runs in 22.4 overs. Musheer Khan went back to the dressing room for a three-ball duck while Ayush Mhatre and Ajinkya Rahane got dismissed in their 20s.

At number four, Siddesh Lad bashed 116 runs with the help of 17 boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 74.36, while Shams Mulani remained unbeaten by 79 runs by the end of the day as Mumbai finished the opening day with 336/5 in 83 overs. Yudhvir Singh Charak picked up two wickets in 16 overs.

J&K pacer Auqib Nabi grabbed the spotlight with his brilliant display in the ongoing 2025 Duleep Trophy clash between North Zone and East Zone. The game, which got underway on August 28, has already witnessed several standout moments, with Nabi’s spell being the biggest highlight so far.

Batting first, North Zone managed to put up 405 runs on the board in their opening innings. East Zone, however, struggled to keep up with the momentum and collapsed for 230 runs in just 56.1 overs, unable to handle the pressure from the opposition bowlers.

Nabi was the star with the ball, producing magical figures of 5/28 from 10.1 overs. During his fiery spell, he scripted history by becoming only the fifth Indian to claim four wickets in four consecutive balls in first-class cricket, completely dismantling East Zone’s lower order and turning the contest decisively in North Zone’s favor.

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Some fascinating Facts About The Jammu & Kashmir Pacer:

Auqib Nabi has become the center of attention with his brilliant display in the Duleep Trophy. The Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler’s achievement has sparked curiosity among cricket fans. To celebrate his milestone, here are five fascinating facts about Nabi that highlight his journey, skills, and growing reputation as a promising seamer in Indian domestic cricket.

• Auqib Nabi claimed five wickets on his first-class debut

Auqib Nabi made his first-class debut for Jammu & Kashmir during the 2019–20 Ranji Trophy in a match against Jharkhand. In the opening innings, Jharkhand scored 259 runs, while Nabi went wicketless, finishing with figures of 0/43. Jammu & Kashmir gained control with the bat, posting 441 runs, highlighted by Abdul Samad’s impressive century knock of 128.

It was in the second innings that Nabi left his mark. Displaying skill and accuracy, he produced an excellent spell, grabbing 5/38 as Jharkhand were bundled out for just 155. His efforts ensured Jammu & Kashmir secured a dominant win by an innings and 27 runs. The performance not only sealed the match for his side but also marked Nabi’s arrival in domestic cricket with an impressive five-wicket haul on debut.

• Record holder as J&K’s leading wicket-taker in a single Ranji season

Auqib Nabi showcased his bowling brilliance for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. Playing eight matches, the pacer picked up 44 wickets at a stunning average of 13.93 with a strike rate of 30.47. His consistency was highlighted by six five-wicket hauls, which helped him finish as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker, only behind Harsh Dubey’s 69 scalps.

This exceptional run also saw Nabi etch his name in J&K’s cricketing history. He became the highest wicket-taker for the state in a single Ranji season, overtaking the long-standing record of 38 wickets set by Parvez Rasool in 2016-17. His efforts not only elevated J&K’s bowling attack but also established him as one of the most promising fast bowlers in domestic cricket.

• Baramulla-born pacer who began with tennis-ball cricket; his father works as a teacher

Auqib Nabi, a 28-year-old pacer from Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, began his cricketing journey with tennis-ball matches before committing to the sport at a professional level. His early passion and dedication helped him steadily rise through the ranks of competitive cricket.

He later played for J&K in the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy and U-23 Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy, proving his bowling potential. Throughout his journey, his father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, who works as a teacher in a government school, played a key role in encouraging and supporting his ambitions, helping him balance both education and cricket while chasing his dream.

• Considers Dale Steyn his biggest source of inspiration

Auqib Nabi has often spoken about his admiration for former South African speedster Dale Steyn. In an interaction with Kashmir Life, the pacer revealed that he considers Steyn his biggest source of motivation, looking up to his aggression, consistency, and match-winning ability as guiding factors in his own journey.

He said, “ Steyn’s bowling action, top speed, and aggression have always fascinated me. Just as he represented his country at the highest level, I aspire to do the same for my state and my nation. I am working tirelessly to achieve that dream.”

• Debuted in List-A cricket alongside veteran Irfan Pathan

Auqib Nabi stepped into List-A cricket during the 2018 Vijay Hazare Trophy when Jammu & Kashmir faced Haryana. Sharing the dressing room with senior pros like Irfan Pathan and Parvez Rasool, he made an impressive start by bagging three wickets in the contest, immediately showcasing his potential at the domestic level.

Since that debut, Nabi has steadily grown into a consistent performer in the format. Over the course of 29 List-A matches, the right-arm seamer has collected 42 wickets, averaging 28.88 with the ball. His strike rate of 34.1 underlines his ability to break partnerships, while two four-wicket hauls highlight his match-winning spells. His journey reflects promise and steady progress for Jammu & Kashmir cricket.

North Zone is currently leading the race against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025. In the first innings of the match, when East Zone was heavily dependent on Manishi, an emerging spinner, North Zone wrapped up their innings after a pure team game. Without any century or crazy batting, they registered 405 runs for 10 wickets. 

Kanhaiya Wadhawan was the highest scorer in the phase of the game for the North Zone with 76 runs, while another player from Jammu and Kashmir, Auqib Nabi, chipped in with a quick 44-run inning. Both J&K cricketers Kanhaiya and Auqib are considered highly talented prospects in domestic cricket. 

Who is Kanhaiya Wadhawan?

Kanhaiya is a 23-year-old keeper-batter hailing from Jammu, currently representing North Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025 against East Zone. According to stats from ESPNcricinfo, the middle-order batter so far played 4 First Class matches and 8 innings to score 310 runs, including a highest score of 84 at an average of 44.28. His last couple of FC matches with J&K were absolutely phenomenal. Against Baroda in Vadodara, he scored 71 & 84 in the first and second innings, respectively. In the next match, which was against Kerala, the emerging cricketer went in the middle to score 48 & 64 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. 

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Kanhaiya made his FC debut in 2018 when he played a 24-run knock in his first FC appearance for J&K. During the previous Ranji Trophy season, Jammu and Kashmir stunned cricket fans when they took down a heavyweight Mumbai cricket team to ensure a 5-wicket win. Wadhawan was a crucial part of the game. He remained firm on the track and scored an unbeaten 19 to achieve the historic win. 

Who is Auqib Nabi?

28-year-old Nabi has gained ample amount of experience playing for Jammu and Kashmir in domestic cricket. The pace bowling allrounder known for his quick fire batting abilities and economical bowling. Against Kerala in a Ranji Trophy 2025 fixture, he scored 32 runs and picked 6 wickets in the first innings. During the historic win against Mumbai, Nabi again proved himself as a key figure. In the first innings he took a couple of wickets and then in the second innings, he ensured another 4 wickets. Star Mumbai batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Shardul Thakur fell short against the promising allrounder.