Six J&K Cricketers Selected for North Zone Duleep Trophy Squad, Kanhaiya Wadhawan Named Captain

Jammu & Kashmir cricket has achieved a major milestone after six players from the Union Territory were selected for the North Zone squad for the upcoming Duleep Trophy. Adding to the achievement, wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan has been appointed captain of the 15-member team. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The selections reflect the growing strength of Jammu & Kashmir cricket in India’s domestic circuit, with the Union Territory recording its highest-ever representation in a North Zone squad.

Historic Moment for J&K Cricket

For many years, it was uncommon for more than one or two players from Jammu & Kashmir to feature in inter-zonal tournaments. This season marks a significant change, with six cricketers earning places in the North Zone side.

The strong representation follows J&K’s impressive performances in recent domestic competitions and highlights the steady development of cricket in the region.

Six J&K Players in North Zone Squad

The following players from Jammu & Kashmir have been selected:

• Kanhaiya Wadhawan – Captain & Wicketkeeper
• Qamran Iqbal – Opening Batter
• Abdul Samad – All-Rounder
• Abid Mushtaq – Left-Arm Spinner
• Sunil Kumar – Fast Bowler
• Yudhvir Singh – Fast Bowler

Ajay Sharma Named North Zone Head Coach

In another boost for Jammu & Kashmir cricket, senior team head coach Ajay Sharma has been appointed Head Coach of the North Zone team.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Auqib Nabi was unavailable for selection due to his national team commitments.

Strong North Zone Squad

Delhi batter Ayush Badoni has been named vice-captain of the side.

The squad also includes several prominent domestic stars, including India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh and Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj, giving North Zone a balanced combination of experienced and emerging players.

North Zone Duleep Trophy Squad

Duleep Trophy Schedule

The 2026 Duleep Trophy is scheduled to begin on 23 August in Bengaluru.

North Zone will start its campaign against West Zone at Centre of Excellence (COE) Ground 1. The winner of the match will progress to the semi-finals.

Selection Overview

J&K's Strong Domestic Performances
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Six Players Selected for North Zone
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Kanhaiya Wadhawan Named Captain
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Ajay Sharma Appointed Head Coach
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North Zone Opens Duleep Trophy Campaign
23 August │ Bengaluru │ vs West Zone

Key Highlights

• Six Jammu & Kashmir cricketers have been selected for the North Zone Duleep Trophy squad.
• Kanhaiya Wadhawan has been appointed captain of the 15-member team.
• Ajay Sharma, J&K’s senior team coach, will serve as North Zone head coach.
• Fast bowler Auqib Nabi was unavailable because of national team commitments.
• North Zone also includes Ayush Badoni, Arshdeep Singh, and Anshul Kamboj.
• The Duleep Trophy begins on 23 August in Bengaluru, with North Zone facing West Zone in its opening match.