Cricket

Srinagar's Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium to welcome Irani Cup for the first time in 40 years, marking a significant return to Jammu & Kashmir.

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 12, 2026, 13:39 IST

Cricket News: Mumbai: The Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar is preparing to host the largest cricket match in Jammu & Kashmir since the 1980s.

Srinagar's Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium to welcome Irani Cup for the first time in 40 years, marking a significant return to Jammu & Kashmir.

Mumbai: The Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar is set to host a historic cricket event this October, marking the first major match in Jammu & Kashmir since the 1980s. From October 1 to 5, the venue will welcome the Irani Cup, featuring the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions, Jammu & Kashmir, competing against the Rest of India. This match is particularly significant as it is the largest cricket event in the region since the One Day International (ODI) between India and Australia on September 9, 1986.

The Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium has a rich cricketing history, having previously hosted two ODIs. The first match took place on October 13, 1983, where India faced the West Indies, but the game concluded under the Duckworth-Lewis method due to rain, resulting in a victory for the visitors. In the second ODI, Australia triumphed over India by three wickets. More recently, the stadium was the site of a crucial Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Jammu & Kashmir from October 15-18 last year, where Shams Mulani earned the 'Player of the Match' title for his impressive performance.

Preparations Underway for the Irani Cup

Ajay Sharma, the head coach of Jammu & Kashmir, confirmed the upcoming Irani Cup match, stating, "The Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar will host the Irani Cup match between J&K and RoI from Oct 1-5." He emphasized the need for significant upgrades to the stadium, as the match will be broadcast live. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already sent teams to Srinagar on two occasions to assist the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association in preparing for the event. Enhancements include the installation of a commentators' box, proper telecast facilities, a media area, and additional seating for spectators, as the current capacity stands at 5,000.

While the BCCI has yet to officially confirm the venue for the Irani Cup, the anticipation is building. Jammu & Kashmir's team, led by 41-year-old captain Paras Dogra, will rely on the skills of swing bowler Auqib Nabi Dar, who recently earned a spot on India's Test tour to Sri Lanka. Dar was the standout performer in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, taking 60 wickets at an impressive average of 12.56. The Rest of India boasts a strong legacy in the Irani Cup, having secured 30 titles, with Mumbai following closely behind at 15. 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 several other teams.

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