Hubli (Karnataka), Feb 28 : The Jammu and Kashmir cricket team’s Ranji Trophy triumph is the outcome of sustained effort over the past four years, JKCA official and member of the BCCI sub-committee Brigadier Anil Gupta said on Saturday.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) after the victory, Gupta said the achievement was the result of teamwork and a change in approach within the squad.
“This is the result of the hard work we have been doing for the past four years. It has come to fruition today. No one does anything alone; it is teamwork. Our players changed their mindset and routine and believed that we can win,” he said.
He said the players and support staff were emotional after the win and termed the occasion significant for the region.
Gupta praised senior player and mentor Mithun Manhas for his role in guiding the team. “When such experience comes together, the results follow,” he said.
He also thanked Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for attending the celebrations, saying the gesture encouraged the players.
Gupta said the association plans to hold celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir, with events in Srinagar after Eid and in Jammu next week.
Responding to criticism about the functioning of the association, he said the focus remained on cricket. “In our minds, there is only cricket, no politics. We want to keep cricket away from politics. If you bring politics into cricket, you will spoil the game,” he said.
He acknowledged the contribution of ground staff in the Valley, naming Badir Dhar, Abdul Qayyum, Arshad Bhatt and Ubaid Ameed for their work.
On the prospects of player Aqib Nabi returning to the national squad, Gupta expressed confidence, saying he could not be kept out for long.(KNS).
