Jammu and Kashmir to Host Irani Cup in Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to host the Irani Cup match at Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar from 1 to 5 October 2026. The fixture will be played between Jammu and Kashmir and the Rest of India in a five-day first-class format.

Irani Cup and First-Class Cricket

The Irani Cup is a first-class cricket match played between the Ranji Trophy champions and the Rest of India team. First-class cricket in India follows multi-day rules and is recognised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Srinagar Venue and Stadium Details

Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar currently has a spectator capacity of about 5,000. The venue requires a commentators’ box, a media box, live telecast infrastructure, and additional spectator stands for hosting a televised domestic match.

Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Milestones

Jammu and Kashmir qualified for the Irani Cup after winning the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy title on 28 February 2026. The team defeated Karnataka in the final on the basis of a first-innings lead, which gave the side its maiden Ranji Trophy championship.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Irani Cup is named after Zal R. Irani, a former BCCI president and cricket administrator.
• The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier domestic first-class cricket tournament.
• Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium is one of the major cricket venues in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Jammu and Kashmir last hosted a major international cricket match in Srinagar on 9 September 1986, when India played Australia in an ODI.

Players and Administration

Paras Dogra, aged 41 years, is set to captain the Jammu and Kashmir side in the five-day match. Auqib Nabi Dar, a 29-year-old swing bowler, took 60 wickets in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy and was selected for India’s Test tour of Sri Lanka.

BCCI and JKCA Context

The Board of Control for Cricket in India restored match-hosting rights to the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association on 8 July 2024 after a six-year suspension. The suspension followed court-ordered frozen accounts and financial irregularities in the association.