NEW DELHI: ICC Chairman Jay Shah joined the Indian cricket fraternity in applauding Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, calling it a landmark moment that will “ignite belief” among the present generation in the region and inspire the next to embrace the sport.

Shah’s views were echoed by Indian cricket greats including off spin stalwarts Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin among others.

"Congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir team in India for scripting a remarkable story of grit and perseverance," Shah, the former BCCI Secretary, wrote on 'X'.

"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 added.

Ashwin viewed the victory as proof that Ranji Trophy teams are arriving better prepared with every passing season.

Jammu and Kashmir were on Saturday crowned Ranji Trophy champions for the first time after defeating eight time winners Karnataka cricket team in a one sided final in Hubballi.

J&K secured a commanding first innings lead of 291 runs which effectively sealed the contest and delivered the result they had been building towards over the past few seasons.

In 2024 25, J&K stunned Mumbai cricket team, who featured several India Test players including Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shardul Thakur and Shivam Dube.

Ashwin wrote on X, "Saurashtra, Vidharba, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and now J & k have won the Ranji Trophy over the last decade."

"These teams have found a way to prepare well with a unified goal in mind as a team. It has paved way for cricketers like Jaydev, Harsh Dubey( India A), Rajat Patidar, Karun Nair, Axar Patel to play for India in whites. In time J&k would also be seeing representations from this championship winning side.

"This serves as a reminder once again for cricketers from the rest of the country, that if they stand together and play united with a Ranji trophy title as a goal, they or at least their team mates can go on to play for the country. Well done to J & K , it's a massive achievement," Ashwin added.

Another spin great Harbhajan Singh said winning the Ranji Trophy is never easy and J&K displayed true hunger to succeed.

"...that's what matter. What a day for Jammu & Kashmir...They have played terrific cricket throughout the season and played like a unit. Many congratulation and many more trophies to come. great to see Cricket growing in Jammu Kashmir region."

Former India all rounder Irfan Pathan said he was confident J&K would clinch the Ranji Trophy.

"Many congratulations to J&k cricket to create a history by winning the first ever Ranji Trophy. I never had even shadow of a doubt that you guys will achieve this and many more trophies," he wrote.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia termed J&K’s triumph a reflection of how deeply cricket has spread across the nation.

"...it is a classic instance of how well the game of cricket is spread across India despite challenging conditions," he posted on 'X'.

"Relentless efforts of BCCI & its former Secretary & present ICC Chair Mr @JayShah's vision laid the roadmap, through a 3-members Sub-Committee in place since June,'21 till date to manage cricket activities, has made the glorious success possible... Indian Cricket continues to flourish!."

(With PTI Inputs)