Jubilant crowds throng airport, players garlanded
Jammu: Days after scripting history with their maiden triumph in the Ranji Trophy, the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team received a rousing reception on their arrival in Jammu on Tuesday, as jubilant fans thronged the airport and lined city streets to celebrate the landmark achievement.
The players were greeted with flower garlands, drum beats and traditional dances as supporters waved banners and chanted slogans in praise of the team. The celebratory scenes outside the airport soon turned into a procession, with fans escorting the victorious squad through various parts of the city amid tight security arrangements.
The historic victory marked a watershed moment for J&K cricket, ending a 66-year wait for the prestigious domestic title. The team’s remarkable campaign culminated in a commanding win over the Karnataka cricket team in the final, earning accolades from across the country.
Among the players who drew loud cheers was pacer Yudhvir Singh Charak, who described the reception as an unforgettable and proud moment for the entire team.
“It feels overwhelming to see so much love and support from the people of Jammu & Kashmir. This victory belongs to every fan that stood by us through the years,” Yudhvir said while interacting with the media amid the celebrations.
Crediting the collective effort behind the triumph, he said the win was the result of teamwork, discipline and belief. “Every player contributed at crucial moments. It was not about individual brilliance but about playing as a unit. We backed each other in tough situations, and that made the difference,” he added.
Yudhvir also expressed gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their consistent support and infrastructure development, which he said played a vital role in nurturing talent from the Union Territory.
“The facilities, exposure and encouragement provided by JKCA and BCCI have been instrumental. This win shows that with the right backing, players from J&K can compete at the highest level,” he said.
The celebrations continued across Jammu city, with youth performing bhangra and traditional Dogra dances to the rhythm of dhol beats. Firecrackers lit up the sky as residents distributed sweets to mark the occasion.
Officials said a formal felicitation ceremony for the team is being planned in the coming days to honour their achievement
