Jammu and Kashmir’s players celebrate after the team’s victory in Ranji Trophy semifinal against Bengal. (PTI Photo)

KALYANI: History had barely settled in when the phone rang. A familiar face flashed up on a video call. Minutes after Jammu and Kashmir sealed a spot in the Ranji Trophy final, the team heard from BCCI president Mithun Manhas, a former head of the J&K cricket’s ad-hoc committee. It was fitting. J&K first entered the Ranji Trophy in the 1959-60 season. For decades they were treated as plucky participants, rarely as genuine threats. The transformation into a side that now talks — and plays — like title contenders has had Manhas’ imprint on it.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“We have done it, Mithun,” J&K coach Ajay Sharma shouted out on the phone, “Mithun and I go back a long way. He made his debut for Delhi under me. I know how hard he had worked for this.”There is a fairy-tale quality to J&K’s rise as a cricketing power: overcoming odds, brushing aside doubts, and learning the most important skill of all — self-belief. But this isn’t a story built on romance alone. It has also been shaped by method, patience and the hard labour of building a culture.

Former Delhi player Sharma himself admits he struggled to get a grip when he first took charge before the 2022-23 season. “When I joined for the first time, I was handling 38 boys. I was alone then,” Sharma said.The set-up looks very different now. J&K have a bowling coach in P Krishnakumar and Dishant Yagnik as their fielding coach. These are small additions on paper, significant ones in a dressing room trying to grow into a winning unit.“Initially it was challenging because it was a very different culture in J&K. It took me around two years to understand these kids. It took time to bond with them,” he said. “I was hard on them initially. But today they see me as an elder brother.”The first shift, Sharma believes, had to happen in the mind. “These boys only think about white-ball cricket and the IPL. We have players from the state in the IPL. But Mithun, as J&K cricket administrator, had a vision and that is to win the Ranji trophy. Ranji trophy still remains the country’s premier tournament. If you do well here your name goes ahead,” Sharma said.From there, the work became more deliberate: identify a core and keep backing it. A group of 24-25 boys began to take shape — some, like left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar, emerging through talent-hunt competitions. “It’s the same bunch which has developed as we kept giving them confidence,” Sharma stated.Alongside confidence came ambition — not the loud, throwaway kind, but some-thing planted carefully and watered over seasons. “I slowly made them understand that you are all talented guys and you are all around 19-20 years of age. You have the game in you so if you apply a little, you can play for India,” he said.Infrastructure, too, mattered. J&K’s push included pitch preparation, with Sharma noting the state now has both black and red soil pitches, a rare advantage for a side looking to be versatile at home and resilient away.Preparation became a season-defining theme. “Pre-season is very important and we started playing the Buchi Babu (in Chennai) for the last two-three years,” Sharma pointed out. Facing bigger sides there, and surviving those examinations, helped the group believe it could beat anyone.“J&K has become a team to reckon with. Everybody is scared of playing J&K now,” Sharma thundered. “We have all bases covered having both quality fast bowlers and spinners. We have won both the knockout matches away from home.”

India’s Tilak Varma, right, and captain Suryakumar Yadav (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

TimesofIndia.com in Ahmedabad: Suryakumar Yadav & Co. have won all their group stage games of the T20 World Cup but the 4-0 record doesn’t plaster over the cracks which have been exposed along the way. A worrying pattern and vulnerability against off-spin will make the Super Eight planning quite straightforward for their opponents, starting with South Africa on February 22.By now, teams know what to do, and even India will know what to expect. The million dollar question, however, remains: What will they do to fix this?

India had a disastrous powerplay in the opener against the USA, and the side’s over-cautious approach was understandable after they were reduced to 46/4. The powerplay situation improved in the next game versus Namibia, but the partnership between Surya and Tilak Varma sucked momentum out of the Indian innings. From 86/1, they added 58 runs and lost three wickets in the next eight overs. The Surya-Tilak stand lasted only 18 deliveries, accumulating just 16 runs in that portion.The big game against Pakistan was no different. Despite Ishan Kishan’s blazing 40-ball 77, India scored 73 runs and lost one wicket between overs 7 and 14. The Surya-Tiak pair was in the middle for most of the period but scored only 38 runs off 34 balls and kept their individual scoring rate just around the run-a-ball mark. A similar script played out against the Netherlands, as India managed 62 runs and lost three wickets. Surya and Tilak were again the two batters who spent the most time at the crease, but their partnership only accumulated 30 runs off 28 balls.The defending champions have found different players to step up and arrest the slide but the pattern remains a very slippery slope to walk. Under coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Surya, India started off as a T20I unit where only the opening positions were fixed. Player entry points were more situation and matchup-driven, but the method changed closer to the World Cup as Tilak was assigned No.3 with Surya making the No.4 his own position.

India’s Tilak Varma and skipper Suryakumar Yadav during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (ANI Photo)

The Mumbai Indians teammates haven’t had the best of times together in the tournament because opponents have successfully countered India’s fixed top-four batters. For the Netherlands, the game against Pakistan provided a sufficient sample size to establish their plans.“I think we obviously looked at the Pakistan game and saw that they’d struggled with spin. So we had a focus of – in the power play bowling spin, trying to limit their scoring options. I think spinners bowled really well to stop them from getting off to good starts, so credit to them,” said Bas de Leede at the post-match presser.Led by Aryan Dutt, the Netherlands bowlers gave nothing away, leaving India struggling at 69/3 after nine overs on what was a slowish wicket where the odd ball held up during the first innings.“It was definitely a tough pitch to start with a little bit of slow, a little bit of hold whether it was from spinners or pacers taking pace off the ball. So it was a hard pitch to start on and I think it showed that even Dubé started off quite slow and finished with 60 off 30 once he got in. So I think he played that really well, but I think we also bowled really well to contain them and make it hard to start,” de Leede said further.India’s star performer Shivam Dube explained that World Cups are not easy and defended the under fire pair by attributing their approach to the game situation. Dube highlighted that their batting approach stems more from how they started.“Sir, this is the World Cup. The game is a little difficult, not easy. If we don’t get the start we want, then the game of Tilak and Surya is different. They bat according to the situation. If the situation demands, they have to bat accordingly. If Tilak has to bat in a particular situation, he does and I don’t have to say anything about Surya because he is a player who can take the team to the best position,” said Dube.

Suryakumar Yadav (R) interacts with Tilak Varma of India (Photo by Prakash Singh/Getty Images)

The situation has been the same for India in the World Cup where Tilak’s entry points have come earlier than what he would probably be used to and a more aware opposition has only added to their woes. The spinners and seamers, with their smart variations, have maintained the chokehold, and more of the same is expected from South Africa, West Indies and Zimbabwe – India’s three opponents in the Super Eight.India’s scoring rate against off-spin, in particular has been very ordinary and even the left-right advantage of Surya and Tilak has offered no benefit so far. If revisiting the whole batting order debate isn’t ideal at this stage, management needs to inject some urgency into its experienced players. Scoring at around a run a ball against off-spin during that crucial period — which often links the top order to the lower order — is a number which would excite India’s opponents. Regarding the Indian camp, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate felt this has been a World Cup trend and could well be the differentiator in the second phase.“I think it has been a trend in the World Cup. When you think about IPL and lot of bilaterals, the pace of the innings just seems to carry through from the powerplay. Almost all of the games – both in Sri Lanka and India – you seem to get off the blocks quickly and batting becomes slightly more difficult in the middle phase. Teams are getting clever now. Today the Dutch guys took the pace off the ball and also teams are bowling a lot of finger-spin to us because of the many left-handers in our lineup. I think that’s a challenge, and could be differentiator in second phase of this competition,” said ten Doeschate during a ICC mixed media zone interaction.The Indian team gets only one day of rest before hitting the nets in Ahmedabad for their clash against South Africa, another unbeaten team in the tournament. The opponents will come hard, better equipped with their plans, and the onus will be on this batting unit to table a complete game in the tournament. They have been unable to do so in their first four fixtures but an ideal outing on February 22 will help everyone sharpen their tools to be battle ready for the Proteas.

Jammu and Kashmir’s Auqib Nabi celebrates with teammates after taking a wicket vs Bengal. (PTI Photo)

KALYANI: One clean swing, one red ball sailing into the stands, and a 67-year wait came to an end. The moment Vanshaj Sharma launched Bengal pacer Mukesh Kumar for six, J&K players, support staff and officials poured onto the field at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground here on Wednesday. Their celebratory roar could probably be heard all the way to the Himalayan state.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!With that hit, J&K sealed its first-ever spot in the final of the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic red-ball cricket event. Once famous for the Kashmir willow, J&K is etching a chapter of its own in the annals of Indian cricket.

The result, a 6-wicket win, was emphatic, even though there were moments when the match appeared to be slipping away. Set 126 for victory, the team completed the chase in 34.4 overs, getting it done before lunch on Day 4.“I have played the Ranji final a number of times. But this time, it’s different. I had not slept for the last three nights. Today I will sleep well,” an elated coach Ajay Sharma, once a stalwart of the domestic scene for Delhi, said.As history beckoned, J&K began Day 4 within touching distance, only 83 runs away, yet Bengal came hard at them. Akash Deep, already among the wickets, struck twice to remove Shubham Khajuria and Yawer Hassan, then returned to send back skipper Paras Dogra.Mohammed Shami, relentless as ever, bowled Shubham Pundir to briefly widen the doorway for a comeback. But Abdul Samad and Sharma shut it with authority with an unbeaten 55-run fifth-wicket partnership that carried J&K to the line without another stumble. Samad’s unbeaten 30 off 27 balls, studded with three sixes, provided the finishing fire. Sharma’s 43 not out off 83 balls supplied the composure.The semifinal had turned on J&K’s refusal to panic after conceding a first-innings lead. Bengal piled up 328, powered by Sudip Kumar Gharami’s superb 146, and then had J&K out for 302 in reply, with Shami ripping through the innings with 8/90. Yet J&K stayed within reach through Samad’s counter-attacking 82, Dogra’s 58 and valuable lower-order runs that kept the deficit to 26.Few might have expected J&K to flip that deficit into a ticket to the final. But Sharma insisted the belief never wavered. “I told the boys that the match is not over. We have two more days. Cricket always gives you a second chance. Red-ball cricket is a dangerous game,” the 61-year-old Sharma said.Day 3 delivered the match’s decisive lurch. Bengal, under pressure, collapsed for 99 in just 25.1 overs. Sunil Kumar grabbed 4/27 and Auqib Nabi — the breakout fast bowler this season — took 4/36 to complete a match haul of 9/123, also chipping in with 42 with the bat earlier. Dogra underlined how quickly the equation changed. “That was not a significant lead (26 runs) and we still had seven sessions of play. But of course we never expected them (Bengal) to fold so cheaply,” he said. The final will carry personal meaning for Dogra, a veteran who crossed 10,000 Ranji runs during this match and now finds himself within a game of the trophy that has eluded him. “It will be big for me. My first Ranji final too. I never thought that I would get such a good group of players,” Dogra said, adding: “There was belief in everyone from the beginning of the season that we can win the Ranji Trophy.”Both Dogra and Sharma could not stop talking about pacer Nabi. “He is a match-winner for us,” Dogra said. “He has good work ethics and has been disciplined.” Coach Sharma believes bigger things are not far away for the 29-year-old from Baramulla. “Age is on his side and he has developed the skill set. He will play the IPL (for Delhi Capitals) and if he performs there, the sky’s the limit for him,” Sharma said.The final is next, and J&K have earned the right to dream all the way.Brief scores: J&K 302 (Samad 82, Shami 8-90) & 126/4 (Vanshaj 43, Samad 30*, Akash Deep 3-46) beat Bengal 328 (Gharami 146, Nabi 5-87) & 99 (Shahbaz 24, Sunil 4-27, Nabi 4-36) by 6 wicketsMEN BEHIND THE MILESTONE: THE TEAM’S KEY PERFORMERSAuqib Nabi: The medium-pacer took 12 wickets (7/40 & 5/70) against MP in the quarterfinal, and 9 (5/87 & 4/36) in the semifinal. Nabi has a 8.4cr IPL deal with Delhi Capitals. Will an India Test call-up follow? Matches This Season: 9, Wkts: 55, Avg: 12.7, Economy Rate: 2.7, Strike Rate: 28.5Sunil Kumar: The left-arm medium-pacer has been the perfect foil to Nabi. His 3/41 & 4/27 in the semis proved crucial. Matches: 8, Wkts: 29, Avg: 15.1, ER: 2.6, SR: 34.9Abdul Samad: The middle-order batter’s composure under pressure has seen him pull off several rescue acts. In the semis, he first slammed 82, then scored an unbeaten 30 off 27 balls to finish a tricky chase. Matches: 9, Runs: 655, Avg: 59.5Paras Dogra: The skipper has led with both bat and tactical acumen. Fittingly, the 41-yr-old has become only the 2nd batter to cross 10,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy. Matches: 9, Runs: 551, Avg: 42.4

Suryakumar Yadav (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav believes his side has “ticked almost all the boxes” in the group stage, signalling confidence and momentum as they march into the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup after a hard-fought 17-run victory over the Netherlands.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Powered by Shivam Dube’s counter-attacking 66 off 31 balls, India recovered from early trouble to post 193 for six after opting to bat first. The Netherlands responded bravely but fell short at 176 for seven, handing India their fourth straight win and confirming their dominance atop Group A.

“I think we wanted to bat first. We went on to score 190 and then coming out, there was a little bit of dew, a little bit challenging for the bowlers, but all in all, at the end of the day, very happy,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.The skipper stressed that the bigger satisfaction lay in the team’s overall progress. “You can say that we have ticked almost all the boxes, but even if you win, you learn something out of it. We have learned a few areas, we’ll go back, have a chat, and keep improving,” he added.

India’s innings had been wobbling at 69 for three before Dube turned the tide, something Suryakumar said reflected the team’s depth and clarity. “We might be in a similar situation on the next day also. It’s very important for all the batters to understand what the responsibility is and how the wicket is playing. Later on, we have enough firepower… anyone can finish the game nicely.”He reserved special praise for Dube’s composure. “The way he batted in the middle overs, took pressure off everyone, and taking it to 190 on this wicket, I think it was a very good score,” he said.Another major positive, according to the captain, was India’s bowling flexibility. “Sometimes it’s a good headache to have. I have a lot of options in the middle. Whatever the wicket demands, they can chip in with a few overs.”With contributions flowing across departments, Suryakumar made it clear India’s Super 8s entry is not just qualification — it is a warning. “The contribution is almost coming from every single batter. Those small partnerships are what get you to a good score. I’m very happy with the way things are moving.”

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe (Agency Image)

Although qualification permutations are no longer in play with the Super Eights line-up already confirmed, there is still plenty at stake when Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe face off in Colombo. Both sides remain unbeaten in the group stage, and this fixture offers a timely dress rehearsal before the next phase of the tournament.For context, one of these teams failed to progress to the Super Eights in the 2024 edition, while the other did not even make it to that tournament. By that measure alone, this campaign marks clear progress for both outfits. However, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza made it clear after the washed-out clash against Ireland that merely reaching the Super Eights will not satisfy his team.Zimbabwe have already made headlines by knocking Australia out early and will aim to carry that momentum forward when they travel to India for the next round. With two strong victories built on collective performances across batting, bowling and fielding, another win — especially against the co-hosts — would significantly boost their confidence and potentially secure a top finish in Group B.Standing in their way is a Sri Lankan side brimming with form. They are coming off one of their most dominant T20 World Cup victories in recent memory. Pathum Nissanka delivered what many consider the innings of the tournament so far, Kusal Mendis has been in outstanding touch, and Pavan Rathnayake has emerged as an unexpected but effective presence at No. 4.Injuries, however, have tested Sri Lanka’s depth. Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the competition, adding to the earlier loss of Wanindu Hasaranga. As co-hosts, they will be eager to avoid further setbacks while maintaining their rhythm heading into the Super Eights.

Today T20 World Cup matches – Thursday, 19 February

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan (AP Photo)

Sahibzada Farhan etched his name into the record books with a maiden T20I century during Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash against Namibia on Wednesday. However, while the milestone was significant, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan was not entirely impressed with how the opener approached the closing moments of the innings. Farhan reached his hundred in the penultimate over but did so in a manner that raised eyebrows. On the second ball of the 20th over, he calmly pushed the delivery towards long-on for a single to bring up the landmark. In doing so, he became only the second Pakistan batter after Ahmed Shehzad to score a century in the T20 World Cup.

Pathan, though, questioned the timing and intent behind the approach, suggesting that the team’s total should have been the sole focus in the final over. “He definitely has scored a century, but taking a single? Unbelievable. Unbelievable. You would be happy that you have scored a century and that Pakistan have reached 199,” Irfan said on air. “But in the last over, you play a defensive shot, then you leave the last ball. Kamaal hai,” he added. Farhan also failed to capitalise on the final delivery of the innings, unable to reach a wide ball bowled by Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus. The last over wasn’t fully maximised, and had Shadab Khan not struck two crucial sixes, Pakistan may not have pushed their total to 199. The 29-year-old eventually finished unbeaten on 100 from 58 balls, an innings decorated with 11 fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 172.41. In the broader context of the match, Farhan’s century laid the foundation for Pakistan’s imposing 199/3 in Colombo. Captain Salman Ali Agha contributed 38, while Shadab remained unbeaten on 36 to provide a late flourish. In reply, Namibia were outclassed as Usman Tariq’s mystery spin (4/16) dismantled the middle order and Shadab claimed 3/19. Namibia were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs, handing Pakistan a commanding 102-run victory and confirming their place in the Super 8 stage.

File photo of Juan Pedro Benali of NorthEast United. (Image: X)

On the eve of NorthEast United FC’s Indian Super League (ISL) opener against East Bengal FC, head coach Juan Pedro Benali struck a deeply emotional yet clear-headed note, calling on fans to rally behind their teams while keeping the bigger picture of Indian football in mind.“It’s easy to criticise on social media. Buy the tickets to watch your team, be it NorthEast United FC, East Bengal FC or Kerala Blasters FC, make people feel that football is important,” he said, before adding, “Rather than sitting at home and criticising, not watching the games, come to the stadiums.”

The 56-year-old Spaniard emphasised that even small acts of support can make a meaningful difference, urging fans to go the extra mile for their clubs and the sport.“We know it is a difficult moment, but support your team. Just for that Rs 100, Rs 200 or Rs 50 (match ticket price), it’s money. The sacrifice that you make by travelling to watch the game, be it 10, 20, 50, or 80 km, is a sacrifice. But when you make that sacrifice, you earn the right to criticise, and you can say, I helped my club,” Benali added.While acknowledging the frustrations surrounding Indian football, Benali made it clear that fans are fully entitled to express their views — but insisted that criticism should be matched with action.“The national team is not doing well, because of this, that… I understand. It’s your right (to voice your opinion). Do it, but also help. Rs 200 for each game. Go to the FanCode, pay Rs 299 for the season pass. Buy the subscription to watch NorthEast United FC (Team Pass). That’s what we’re asking from the fans. That’s the support. That’s the help. This is where the clubs can feel that they have (supporting) hands, and not the fans who only talk,” he said.In a call for unity during what he described as a challenging phase, Benali urged supporters to stand by their teams regardless of results or circumstances.“It is not a moment to say NorthEast will not do well or go to the second division. No, it is a moment to be with everyone, regardless of the results. Be with your team, your players,” he added.He signed off with a broader appeal, urging the entire Indian football ecosystem to come together as one.“This is the real moment to be a family. This is the real moment to be an Indian football family, all together. The clubs, the players, the fans. This is the moment to show the world that even if 10 per cent of the Indian population loves football, that’s 150 million people. But let’s be together,” Benali said.Dream Sports-owned FanCode is the official broadcaster of the ISL, having come onboard after a bid of Rs 8.62 crore. They further sub-licensed the TV broadcast rights to Sony Sports Network.

Pakistan’s bowler Shaheen Afridi during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match between Bangladesh and Pakistan, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. (PTI Photo)

In a match Pakistan had to win to stay in contention for the Super 8s of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Pakistan men’s cricket team left fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi out of the playing XI.Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat against Namibia in their group match at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Wednesday.The side led by Salman Ali Agha made two changes from the team that lost to India on Sunday. Shaheen and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed were left out, with Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay coming into the XI.

Pakistan need a win in their final league match to secure qualification for the Super 8s. Pressure on the team increased after a 61-run loss to India, adding to defeats in the Asia Cup and recent editions of the tournament.FOLLOW LIVESenior players Babar Azam and Shaheen have faced criticism for their performances. Shaheen has struggled for control, while Babar has continued to find spin challenging. Pakistan entered the match needing a win to avoid elimination.Namibia, already out of contention, aim to finish their campaign on a positive note. Their tournament has been affected by inconsistent bowling, including a dip in form from Ruben Trumpelmann, and modest batting returns from captain Gerhard Erasmus. Pakistan confirmed two changes, with Salman Mirza and Khawaja Nafay replacing Shaheen and Abrar. Namibia also made two changes, bringing in Alexander Busing-Volschenk for Dylan Leicher and Jack Brassell for Max Heingo.Against India, Shaheen bowled two overs and conceded 31 runs, taking the wicket of Axar Patel with the final ball of the innings. Across three matches in the tournament, the 25-year-old has bowled nine overs, given away 101 runs and taken three wickets at an economy rate of 11.22. He has also appeared to lose pace, now bowling mostly around 85 mph.

India’s Abhishek Sharma being bowled by Netherlands’ Aryan Dutt during an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and Netherlands, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad. (PTI)

NEW DELHI: How many ducks are too many ducks? India opener Abhishek Sharma might be asking himself as he was again dismissed for zero and failed to score even a single run in the last group-stage match of the T20 World Cup against the Netherlands on Wednesday. The left-handed batter was bowled on the third ball of the first over by Dutch off-spinner Aryan Dutt.Dutt pitched the ball at the back of a length on the middle and off stump, and it skidded in with the angle. Abhishek had a wild swipe at it, which was perhaps coming after the two dots, but missed it completely, and the ball hits the leg stump.

This was the third duck in a row for Abhishek in the T20 World Cup. The southpaw has endured a difficult T20 World Cup campaign so far. He began with a golden duck against the USA in India’s opening match and was later hospitalised in New Delhi due to a stomach infection, which ruled him out of the clash against Namibia. On his return against Pakistan on Sunday, he was dismissed for another duck.Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bat first against the Netherlands in their final group stage match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.FOLLOW LIVEThe Men in Blue, who have already qualified for the Super Eights, will be looking to end the league stage with four wins out of four matches, building momentum ahead of the next stage. The Netherlands, meanwhile, will be aiming for an upset in a tournament that has so far showcased strong performances from several associate cricket teams.Speaking at the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed two changes to the playing XI. Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer, comes in for Kuldeep Yadav, while Axar Patel has been “rested” and Washington Sundar gets a game.Suryakumar said, “We are going to bat first. It looks like a good surface. We want to put runs on the board and put some pressure on the bowlers to defend the total. The mood in the camp is really good and they are playing the brand of cricket I want them to play. Every game, someone is putting their hand up and that is good to see. We have two changes – Arshdeep comes in for Kuldeep, Axar is resting and Washington comes in.”India (Playing XI): Ishan Kishan(w), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep SinghNetherlands (Playing XI): Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (w/c), Zach Lion-Cachet, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Noah Croes.

Jammu and Kashmir cricket team (X-Mithun Manhas)

New Delhi: Having served as the head of the ad-hoc committee to run the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) till last September, BCCI president Mithun Manhas said that the cricket infrastructure in the state will grow faster once the state association is approved by the government. “Everything is ready with forming the state association. They have gone to the government for approval. Once they get it done, BCCI funds will be unlocked to improve the infrastructure in the state. Right now, they play at the Harbux Stadium in Srinagar and the College Ground in Jammu. Work towards building a proper cricket stadium with proper facilities can start immediately,” Manhas told TOI on Wednesday.

Manhas recalled the process of setting up facilities to help J&K cricket rise since he took charge in 2021. “I must thank Jay Shah, who was the BCCI secretary then, for giving us a free hand and funds to organise the facilities even though we were an ad-hoc committee. We made red-soil pitches in two stadiums so that the team was ready to play on all kinds of pitches across India. We used to start our talent hunt programme from April every year and went to every district. The teams were sent to play off-season tournaments in different parts of the country. Now, the plan is to invite other state teams to play invitational tournaments in J&K,” Manhas said. While 41-year-old Paras Dogra, coming in as a guest player, led from the front as captain in the last two seasons, Manhas said that the endeavour was never to rely heavily on outstation professional players. “Dogra’s experience helped these young batters learn to bat for longer periods. But he is the only guest player in the team. We need to give time to the young players to groom into leadership roles,” the former Delhi captain claimed. Manhas also highlighted that there was a conscious effort to develop more qualified coaches in the region. “When I took charge, there was only one NCA Level 1 coach in the state. Now we have close to 40 Level 2 coaches. That has helped in grooming talent in pockets of the state,” he mentioned.