Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Oct 1 (JKNS): The prestigious Irani Cup has returned to Jammu and Kashmir after nearly four decades, with Srinagar hosting the high-profile domestic cricket fixture at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, marking a significant moment for cricket in the Union Territory.
BCCI Chairman Mithun Manhas on Thursday assured full support to the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) for developing cricket infrastructure in Jammu and Srinagar, saying the Board will back efforts to bring bigger and international matches to the Union Territory.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Irani Cup at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, as per news agency JKNS, Manhas said the return of a match of such stature to Srinagar after nearly four decades was a moment of great happiness and expressed hope that more major fixtures would be hosted in J&K.
“I would want more matches to come here. A match of this level is happening after almost four decades, so it is a matter of great happiness. Cricket has returned. The effort from the Board will continue and JKCA will have full support of the BCCI so that they can organise matches on a bigger scale and also bring international games,” he said.
On the possibility of hosting T20 matches and other major fixtures in Srinagar, Manhas said development of basic infrastructure would be essential, adding that the newly constituted JKCA body should focus on building stadiums and grounds.
“From the BCCI side, I assure we will support them fully,” he said.
The BCCI Chairman stressed that JKCA should develop cricket grounds in both Jammu and Srinagar, saying the association should have adequate infrastructure across areas under its jurisdiction.
“Efforts should be that stadiums are there in both Jammu and Srinagar and, as I said, BCCI’s full support will be there,” Manhas said.
Manhas also said hosting high-level matches in J&K would provide greater exposure and opportunities to local cricketers, pointing to the region’s recent success in domestic cricket.
“That is why you are seeing Ranji champions and you are playing Irani Cup. Today J&K has done quite well and Rest of India also made a strong comeback,” he said.
Recalling the period when the BCCI managed the affairs of JKCA from 2021 to 2025, Manhas praised the work undertaken during that period and credited the Board’s support for creating greater opportunities for young cricketers.
He also recalled former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah’s visit to J&K and said the support extended to the JKCA sub-committee helped provide direction and confidence to young players.
“Talent was there earlier also, it just needed direction,” Manhas said.
“When you give confidence to a player, the result is in front of you—they became Ranji Trophy champions,” he added.
Manhas also praised the present JKCA body and expressed hope that it would continue working towards further growth of cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing young cricketers, he urged them to remain sincere, work hard and continue pursuing their goals, citing Baramulla cricketer Aqib Nabi’s recent selection as an example of how talent from J&K can progress to the national level.
“If you are talented and hardworking and have passion, you will definitely play for the country,” Manhas said.
The Irani Cup 2026, being presented by the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association, is being played at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Srinagar, from October 1 to 5. (JKNS)
