In a historic development for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir, the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar is set to host the Irani Cup from October 1 to 5, 2023. This match will feature the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy winners, Jammu & Kashmir, competing against the Rest of India. This event marks the first major cricket match in the region since the 1980s, underscoring the significance of the occasion for local fans and cricket enthusiasts alike.
The Irani Cup, a prestigious tournament in Indian cricket, has a rich history, and this match will be particularly momentous as it is the first time the competition has been held in Jammu & Kashmir in four decades. The last major international cricket event in the region was an ODI between India and Australia on September 9, 1986. The Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium has previously hosted two ODIs, with the first match taking place on October 13, 1983, against the West Indies, where the visitors triumphed under the Duckworth-Lewis method due to rain interruptions. The second ODI saw Australia defeat India by three wickets.
Jammu & Kashmir's cricketing landscape has seen a resurgence, especially following their Ranji Trophy victory. The stadium hosted a key Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai from October 15-18 last year, where left-arm spinner Shams Mulani was named 'Player of the Match' for his impressive performance, scoring 91 runs and taking seven wickets across both innings.
Ajay Sharma, the head coach of Jammu & Kashmir, confirmed the details of the upcoming Irani Cup match, emphasizing the preparations underway to ensure a successful event. "The stadium is bracing for the big game. It will need a major uplift as the match will be telecast live," he stated. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already sent teams to Srinagar to assist the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association in making the necessary arrangements, which include setting up a commentators' box, proper telecast facilities, and additional seating for spectators, as the current capacity is 5,000.
While the BCCI has yet to officially confirm the venue for the 2026 Irani Cup, the excitement surrounding this match is palpable. The Rest of India team, historically dominant in the tournament with 30 titles, will face a determined Jammu & Kashmir side led by captain Paras Dogra, who at 41 years old brings a wealth of experience. The team will also rely on the talents of Auqib Nabi Dar, a promising swing bowler who recently earned selection for India's Test tour of Sri Lanka after finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy with 60 wickets at an impressive average of 12.56.
Following the Irani Cup, Jammu & Kashmir will commence their Ranji Trophy title defense on October 11 against Madhya Pradesh, competing in Elite Group A alongside teams such as Vidarbha, Baroda, and Uttar Pradesh. As the cricketing community looks forward to this historic match, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium, as it prepares to welcome fans and showcase the region's cricketing potential.
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