Srinagar Likely to Host Irani Cup 2026 as J&K Take on Rest of India
Srinagar: Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium is set to host the Irani Cup 2026, with Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir scheduled to face the Rest of India from October 1 to 5, according to reports.
The match would mark a major return of high-profile domestic cricket to Kashmir and could become one of the biggest cricketing events hosted in the Valley in decades.
The BCCI’s official 2026–27 domestic season documents list “Srinagar/Jammu” as the venue location for the Irani Cup, with the match scheduled from October 1 to 5. Recent reports have identified the Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar as the likely venue.
J&K to Face Rest of India
The Irani Cup traditionally features the Ranji Trophy champions against the Rest of India.
Jammu and Kashmir earned their place in the 2026 edition after winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title in the 2025–26 season.
J&K defeated Karnataka in the final at Hubballi. The match ended in a draw, but J&K secured the title on the basis of their first-innings lead.
The historic victory made J&K the Ranji Trophy champions for the first time in their history.
Major Cricket Event for Kashmir
If confirmed for Srinagar, the Irani Cup would represent a significant moment for cricket in Kashmir.
The Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium has previously hosted domestic first-class cricket. BCCI records show that the venue hosted a Ranji Trophy match between J&K and Mumbai in October 2025.
The proposed Irani Cup fixture would, however, bring a much bigger national spotlight to the Valley, with the country’s leading domestic players expected to feature.
Auqib Nabi Could Be a Key Player for J&K
J&K fast bowler Auqib Nabi is expected to be one of the players to watch if he is available for the fixture.
Nabi enjoyed a remarkable 2025–26 Ranji Trophy campaign, taking 60 wickets, the most in the tournament, and was named Player of the Series.
He also played a key role in the Ranji Trophy final against Karnataka, taking 5 wickets for 54 runs in 23 overs in Karnataka’s first innings.
Nabi has since earned his maiden India Test call-up for the Sri Lanka series, making his availability for the Irani Cup dependent on the national team’s requirements.
Yudhvir Singh Also Expected to Be Important
Another J&K pace option is Yudhvir Singh, who has also established himself as an important part of the team’s bowling attack.
His ability to generate pace could give J&K another strong option against a Rest of India batting line-up likely to feature several prominent domestic players.
BCCI Yet to Announce Final Squads
While the BCCI’s official calendar confirms the October 1–5 window and lists Srinagar/Jammu as the venue location, the final venue and Rest of India squad details remain subject to the BCCI’s official announcement.
The Rest of India squad is expected to be announced closer to the match.
J&K’s Ranji Trophy Title Defence Begins Soon After
Jammu and Kashmir will not have much time to celebrate after the Irani Cup, with their 2026–27 Ranji Trophy campaign scheduled to begin on October 11.
The defending champions are part of Elite Group A, alongside Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Baroda, Puducherry, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Goa.
The Irani Cup could therefore provide J&K with an important competitive test just days before they begin their title defence.
