Mumbai: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is not perturbed about not being allotted a Test match during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy early next year. On Thursday, the BCCI announced that Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad will host the high-profile five-Test series between India and Australia in January-February next year. The MCA will instead host the third ODI between India and Zimbabwe on January 9.“All day, everyone has been calling me about not getting a Test match. Truth be told, we are very happy with whatever the BCCI gives us. We will do a great job of hosting Zimbabwe for an ODI,” MCA president Ajinkya Naik said at a felicitation function organised by Khar Gymkhana to honour the MCA’s achievement of winning the BCCI’s ‘Best Association’ award for three successive years.Later, speaking to reporters at the event on Thursday, Naik reiterated that the MCA had taken the BCCI’s decision in good spirit. “All matches are important, whether it is a Ranji Trophy game, an international fixture, the IPL, or a club match. All matches are the same for us,” he said.When asked if he was disappointed with the distribution of matches in Mumbai, Naik said, “We are happy that cricket is happening in Mumbai, and we will continue to work for the betterment of the game. Whatever our parent association gives us, we ensure that we follow it. We strictly implement all the SOPs.”Asked whether the Wankhede Stadium was not allotted an India-Australia Test due to hosting as many as eight matches during the 2026 T20 World Cup, Naik said, “Whatever the BCCI instructs us, we make sure that we implement it.”When asked whether marquee Test series like India-Australia or India-England should be restricted to four or five major centres, similar to England and Australia, Naik said, “I can only speak on behalf of the MCA. Any decision we take is done through our Apex Council. If it concerns the BCCI, you will have to ask the BCCI. I cannot comment on that.”

Hardik Pandya at ‘MI MIX’ fan event on Sunday. (Pic credit: MI’s X post)

MUMBAI: The cricketing fraternity, today, acknowledges Hardik Pandya as one of the finest white-ball allrounders in the game, but when Mumbai Indians first spotted him in domestic cricket, he was just a hardworking youngster from Baroda, who only knew how to bat. Recounting his journey at a fireside chat with MI batting coach Kieron Pollard during the ‘MI MIX’ fan event at Jio World Garden on Sunday, Pandya said his rise was shaped by hard work and MI’s sharp scouting system.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Before I played for Mumbai Indians, I was just a pure batter for 17-19 years. The only thing I knew was hard work — if someone told me to run 12 rounds, I would run 15,” Pandya said, recalling his early days in domestic cricket.The turning point came during a Ranji Trophy match when MI scouts noticed him — almost by chance. “I was playing a Ranji game, and the scouts had not even come to watch me. That’s the beauty of the Mumbai Indians’ scouting system. They identified something special even when they were not there specifically for me. That shows the strength of their system,” he said.Pandya joined MI in 2015 as a young prospect and gradually transformed himself into a match-winning allrounder. The 32-year-old admitted that the transition from a pure batter to an allrounder was not an easy one and required him to adapt significantly, especially in terms of fitness and body management.“I had to adapt. I had no idea how to look after my body or what it takes to be an allrounder. The only thing I knew was to work hard, and that helped me come out of difficult phases,” he said, urging young cricketers to be disciplined.Now set to lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 for the third year in-a-row, Pandya made his ambitions clear — win a sixth Indian Premier League (IPL) title for the franchise.“My ultimate dream is to win the IPL for the sixth time for MI. The franchise already has an amazing legacy, but I want us to play the best cricket Mumbai Indians have ever played and win as many trophies as possible,” he said drawing loud cheers from fans, who he praised for their unconditional support through good times and bad.Pollard, who has watched Pandya’s journey from close quarters, credited him for inspiring the next generation of players at MI. “The bravery and youthful exuberance of the young players excite me. When Hardik came into the setup, he worked hard and produced results on the field. The next generation is seeing that and coming in fearless — that’s what Mumbai Indians are all about,” Pollard said.

Auqib Nabi’s family members watch Ranji Trophy final (TOI Photo)

BARAMULLA: Some 40 km west of Uri, close to the Line of Control, sits Sheeri village. Along the Jhelum Valley road, north west of Srinagar. There, a narrow lane off the main road takes you to the home of cricketer Auqib Nabi Dar. It is barely wide enough for three people to walk alongside each other, but remember the address. For it is not to be forgotten in a hurry.Usually bustling in the manner that tiny mountain villages can be, on Saturday however, shops in Sheeri were open, but business was slow. Men stood milling on the narrow streets, groups of boys were gathered, mobile phones in their hands. It looked aimless, but there was purpose. Constantly checking their phones, sharing updates, exhausting mobile data by the minute, they kept abreast with the Ranji Trophy final score in faraway Hubballi.

Inside the two-storey dwelling, family members sat in a small room, huddled before a modestly-sized TV set. Next to the TV, in the cramped room, tucked in was an almirah. In its chest, it contained the many cricketing medals that Auqib has won over the years. The room was quiet except for the sound of the TV commentary.His grandmother, Fazi, her wizened eyes fixed on the screen, smiled whenever the camera showed Auqib. Father Ghulam Nabi Dar, a government school teacher, leaned forward as he sat, closely following every ball. Like a prayer off a rosary, he quietly reeled off names of players and match details as the final reached its hour. When Jammu and Kashmir won, the family looked at each other. And smiled quietly. Women members hugged each other. Moments later came the announcement that Auqib Nabi Dar had been named Player of the tournament.

Auqib Nabi’s family members watch Ranji Trophy final (TOI Photo)

The room fell silent, again as if hushed before prayer, as he began his post-match interview.“He is a shy boy,” his father said, smiling, not taking his eyes off the screen. When the anchor on TV reminded Auqib that his father had once wanted him to become a doctor, and when Auqib smiled in response, Ghulam Nabi removed his spectacles and wiped his eyes. In Kashmir, most parents encourage their children to pursue medicine as it usually serves as a respectable and secure career. Ghulam Nabi said he often worried that cricket would pull his son away from studies. He spoke of a time when he stopped Auqib from going out to play, locked him inside a room and even tied him with a rope to keep him from leaving. Around 2015, he missed securing a medical seat by two marks, recalled Ghulam Nabi, as if banishing a bad memory.

Auqib Nabi’s family members (TOI Photo)

Medicine’s loss was to become cricket’s gain, and a father understood in time.“Later, I understood how serious my son was about the game, and I allowed him to play,” he said. He then added, smiling shyly, “I too used to play cricket when I was young.”Now, Ghulam Nabi only hopes to see his son play for India. “My dream is to see him in the Indian jersey,” he said.The proud father’s phone kept ringing with calls from relatives, neighbours and reporters as scenes of historic jubiliation unfloded on the TV. “People are calling with affection,” he said as he struggled to answer each one of them. Women from neighbouring houses came to congratulate Auqib’s mother and grandmother. They hugged them and offered prayers.In another room, Bilal Ahmad Dar, 30, Auqib’s cousin, watched the match alone on his phone, preferring to follow games quietly, he said. Bilal spoke of how there were no proper cricket facilities in Sheeri when Auqib was growing up. Even today there are only basic facilities around. To practice, Auqib would travel nearly five km to a small ground near Lower Jhelum across the river.

Auqib Nabi’s accolades over the years (TOI Photo)

Bilal closely tracks Auqib’s career. He remembers almost every match that his cousin has played since being selected for the Ranji team. Over the past two years, Bilal said that Auqib has taken 104 wickets, 44 last year and 60 this year, and feels proud seeing well-known cricketers praise Auqib on social media. “When senior players tweet about him, it means a lot,” he said.Auqib is a science graduate from the University of Kashmir and remains humble despite his success, Bilal said, recalling the day of the IPL auction. “Auqib and me were watching the auction in this room,” Bilal said. “At first, when his name came up, no team picked him for a few seconds, we were silent. Then Delhi placed a bid and we were relieved.”As the bidding increased and more franchises joined in, the price kept rising. “When it reached Rs 8.40 crore, we couldn’t believe it. We were happy,” he said. Within minutes, word spread across the village. People began gathering outside the house, beating drums and celebrating. “There was a huge rush,” Bilal said. “But he is very shy. He didn’t even come out.”

Sachin Tendulkar lauds J&K’s Ranji Trophy win (Photos by PTI)

NEW DELHI: The cricket fraternity came together to celebrate Jammu & Kashmir’s historic maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, as tributes poured in from legends and administrators alike.Sachin Tendulkar hailed the moment as a beautiful transformation for the region. “The Kashmir willows have been a part of many champions’ kits. To see Jammu & Kashmir’s journey from being an enabler of champions, to becoming champions themselves, is beautiful,” he wrote on X.

Reflecting on the team’s campaign, he added, “The season was built on consistency, resilience, and season-long excellence. Auqib Nabi’s impact with the ball stood out in a demanding campaign.“A historic moment for the team, coaches, and support staff. Journeys like these define the beauty of domestic cricket.”ICC chairman Jay Shah also congratulated the team after their fairytale win over Karnataka in their first-ever Ranji final. “Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance. While the players are fully deserving of the adulation they receive, one must also remember the contribution of the coaching staff, management and administrators from J&K who have toiled behind the scenes to fashion this landmark achievement. I am sure that this win will ignite belief in the hearts of the current generation from the region and drive the next one to pick up a bat or ball. Our sport is rich with such stories of inspiration from around the world, and I hope this one also receives its fair share of admiration,” he wrote.Mohammad Kaif shared, “Historic day for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Having led UP to its first Ranji Trophy title, I know what this moment means to the players and the state. More players from J&K will now believe that they too can do it.”Irfan Pathan posted, “Many congratulations to J&K cricket for creating history by winning the first-ever Ranji Trophy. I never had even a shadow of a doubt that you guys will achieve this and many more trophies.”Aakash Chopra wrote, “Jammu & Kashmir, you beauty. The story for the ages. So so happy for what our boys have achieved. Indian cricket is in a safe and happy place.”Shikhar Dhawan added, “Historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. Maiden Ranji Trophy title built on belief, strong leadership from Paras Dogra, and a remarkable season with the ball from Auqib Nabi. Big contributions from Shubham Pundir, Yawer Hassan, Qamran Iqbal, Sahil Lotra, Abdul Samad, and the entire unit. Proud moment.”Harbhajan Singh said, “Will to win, that’s what matters. What a day for Jammu & Kashmir. Well done, simply outstanding, winning the Ranji Trophy isn’t easy at all. They have played terrific cricket throughout the season and played like a unit: many congratulations and many more trophies to come. Great to see Cricket growing in the Jammu and Kashmir region.”Yuvraj Singh posted, “Unbelievable! History has been written today! Huge congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team for clinching their maiden #RanjiTrophy title after 67 long years! Dominating Karnataka with pure grit, heart, and unbreakable spirit. Proud beyond words of #AuqibNabi’s fire, #QamranIqbal’s masterclass, and the entire squad and training staff’s belief! J&K cricket has arrived! Keep shining, boys!”Suresh Raina simply wrote, “Congratulations on the maiden Ranji Trophy, Jammu & Kashmir.“Jammu & Kashmir crowned the Ranji Trophy champions for the first time ever. A monumental moment for the state and domestic cricket!! Well done, team, truly well deserved.”

Jammu & Kashmir (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir scripted history by winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title after their final against Karnataka ended in a draw on Saturday. They were declared champions because of a massive first-innings lead, which proved decisive in the summit clash.In terms of prize money, the BCCI had increased domestic rewards in April 2023. The Ranji Trophy winners will now receive Rs 5 crore, runners-up get Rs 3 crore, and losing semi-finalists earn Rs 1 crore.

J&K had put themselves in a strong position by scoring a huge 584 in their first innings. In response, Karnataka were bowled out for 293 in 93.3 overs. Pacer Auqib Nabi led the bowling attack brilliantly. The right-arm pacer picked up five wickets for 54 runs and handed his team a commanding 291-run lead.Despite having the option to enforce the follow-on, J&K chose to bat again and bat Karnataka completely out of the contest. On the fifth and final day, they resumed their second innings at 186 for four. Qamran Iqbal, who was unbeaten on 94 overnight, and Sahil Lotra, who was on 16, turned the game firmly in their side’s favour with superb centuries.Iqbal remained unbeaten on 160 while Lotra stayed not out on 101 as J&K reached 342/4, stretching their overall lead to a massive 633 runs. With no realistic chance for Karnataka to chase the target, the two captains agreed to shake hands.The triumph is a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir, coming 67 years after they began competing in the tournament.

Jammu and Kashmir etched their name in Indian cricket history by claiming their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka on Saturday at the KSCA Stadium in Hubli. A historic season, marked by grit and determination, saw J&K outplay favourites and fellow underdogs alike, proving that persistence and strategy can triumph over legacy.The final ended in a draw, but J&K’s commanding 291-run first-innings lead was enough to secure the championship. They extended their advantage to 633 runs by finishing 342/4 in the second innings, with opener Qamran Iqbal scoring 160 not out and Sahil Lotra recording his maiden century of 101 not out.

STAR PERFORMANCES SHINE BRIGHTJ&K’s success was built on a collective effort. Skipper Paras Dogra crossed 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs, while Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad, and Kanhaiya Wadhawan contributed valuable half-centuries. Pace spearhead Auqib Nabi dominated with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul for the seventh time this season, and played a key role in turning both the semifinal and final in J&K’s favour.The team’s 10-match campaign demonstrated a rare mix of patience, tactical intelligence, and cohesion, showing that cricketing glory is not just about big names but smart execution.FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO GLORYJammu and Kashmir made their debut in India’s premier domestic competition 67 years ago, and had previously reached quarterfinals in 2013-14, 2019-20, and 2024-25, but faltered under pressure. This time, the team approached the final with calm and confidence, leaving no doubt about their readiness.Karnataka, despite their legacy and experience, struggled to gain any foothold. On the final day, they failed to take a single wicket after J&K resumed at 186/4, underscoring the visitors’ dominance.SEMIFINAL TEST PREPARES THE CHAMPIONSJ&K’s path to glory was tested in the semifinal against Bengal at Kalyani, where Bengal’s first-innings lead created a tense moment. But Nabi’s brilliant bowling dismantled Bengal for just 88 in the second innings, giving the team belief that a historic triumph was within reach. Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a classy century, setting up a massive total of 584 and maintaining momentum for the final.OUTSMARTING THE HEAVYWEIGHTSKarnataka, a nine-time Ranji champion, entered the final expecting dominance. Yet, they were outplayed tactically by a team of relatively unknown players. Even a resilient Mayank Agarwal, who scored 160, couldn’t shift the balance. J&K’s consistent pressure, game awareness, and skill execution ensured that the favourites were never in control.INSPIRING GENERATIONS BEYOND CRICKETThis victory carries more than sporting significance. It sends a message of hope and possibility across Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating how determination and teamwork can overcome obstacles. Pacer Auqib Nabi had long envisioned cricket infrastructure growth in the region, and moments like these could accelerate development and inspire a new generation of cricketers.The historic moment arrived at 2:10 pm, when both captains shook hands in a modest dressing room, sending the J&K squad and supporters into jubilant celebrations. For a team and a region that waited decades for this glory, the triumph was a dream realized and a legacy cemented.

J&K’s Auqib Nabi (PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist Lav)

Hubballi: Auqib Nabi — a name that has echoed across the Indian domestic circuit over the past couple of seasons — is one the Karnataka camp will want to forget in a hurry. The 29-year-old seamer from Baramulla ripped through Karnataka’s formidable batting line-up on Thursday, pushing Jammu & Kashmir to the brink of a historic maiden Ranji Trophy title. Nabi, however, played down his heroics, insisting that his approach was based on keeping things simple, even if his bowling proved anything but. With pronounced swing, late movement and the ability to hit the seam consistently with a strong wrist position, Nabi kept Karnataka’s leading run-getters under relentless pressure on Day 3 of the final. Coming into the title contest with 55 wickets this season — including 21 across the quarterfinal and semifinal — Nabi surpassed Uttarakhand spinner Mayank Mishra (59 wickets) to become the leading wicket-taker of the competition. Outlining his approach, Nabi said the J&K attack operated with a collective plan. “In our team, all of us follow the same plan, sticking to a particular line and length. Even if the batters try to go after us, we continue to bowl in the same channel,” he explained. Much of the build-up to the final centred on Nabi’s anticipated contest with KL Rahul, and the seamer acknowledged the attention surrounding the duel. “I was confident because I have been taking wickets. I went in with a positive frame of mind and just wanted to keep it simple. Before the match, I got a lot of messages about getting Rahul out, but I just wanted to bowl in a good channel and not focus on the batter,” he said. Nabi emphasised the importance of wrist position in generating movement, a technical aspect that has become central to his success. “Wrist position is very important. If you have a straight wrist, everything else becomes easier. The ball moves with the wrist, so a straight wrist is very important for a fast bowler,” he said. With the visitors now within touching distance of their first Ranji Trophy triumph, anticipation is building. Prominent personalities from J&K are expected to arrive in Hubballi on Friday on what could be the eve of a historic moment. For Nabi, the possibility of lifting the trophy represents the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. “When I represented J&K for the first time, it was my dream to win a trophy, especially in red-ball cricket. Growing up, I always knew we hadn’t won a trophy, so this means a lot,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Shubham Pundir celebrates his century (PTI Photo)

Ranji Trophy finals are often marathon affairs, and the ongoing summit clash between Jammu and Kashmir and Karnataka is following that script. After J&K posted a commanding 584 in their first innings, Karnataka reached 35 for one at lunch on Day 3 but slipped to 98 for four in the second session.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!With plenty of time left but a large deficit to overcome, a draw remains a possibility. Unlike league matches, however, the Ranji Trophy final must produce a winner. Thankfully, one key rule provides clarity: the first-innings lead determines the champion if no outright result emerges.

Essentially, if neither side can bowl the other out twice or chase the target, the team with the higher first-innings total claims the trophy. This ensures that sustained performance over the longer format is rewarded, particularly in multi-day matches where weather or pitch conditions can prevent a definitive finish.Here’s how the current final could play out:Scenario 1 – Karnataka take the first-innings lead:If Karnataka surpass J&K’s 584 by scoring 585 or more, they will gain the crucial first-innings advantage. Even if the match ends in a draw afterward, Karnataka will be crowned Ranji Trophy champions. This is the simplest path to the title for the southern side, though it demands overcoming a massive deficit.Scenario 2 – Jammu & Kashmir retain their lead:Should Karnataka fall short of 584, J&K will maintain the first-innings advantage. In that case, irrespective of remaining time or a drawn result, Jammu and Kashmir will be declared champions. Their strong batting performance and early bowling control currently put them in a commanding position.Scenario 3 – External interruptions:In the unlikely event of rain or other factors preventing Karnataka from completing their innings and no first-innings lead is established, tournament rules can default to group-stage points or prior performance. Nonetheless, the first-innings lead is typically decisive in finals.Jammu and Kashmir’s 584 was built through disciplined partnerships and lower-order resistance, giving them a strong platform. Their bowlers have also applied early pressure in Karnataka’s reply, removing key batsmen KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Smaran Ravichandran, and Karun Nair.