‘Asia Cup ho jaye bas…’ quips Rashid Latif

Hubballi, Feb 28 (IANS) Auqib Nabi Dar described Jammu & Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph as an “unbelievable” and emotional moment after his stellar all-round bowling performance throughout the season earned him the Player of the Series award in a landmark campaign for the side.

J&K scripted history by defeating eight-time champions Karnataka on the basis of a massive first-innings lead in the final, capping off a dominant five-day display defined by discipline, resilience and match-defining individual contributions.

On the magnitude of the achievement, Auqib admitted the reality of the moment was still sinking in after helping deliver the biggest success in the team’s domestic cricket history.

“It was unbelievable because this is the first time we’ve won the Ranji Trophy. It still doesn’t feel real that we’ve won it. When I started playing for J&K, my dream was always to win a trophy – especially the Ranji Trophy in red-ball cricket. We’ve been trying for a long time. There was a lot of hard work and a lot of struggle. The whole team worked together, and finally we’ve won this cup,” he said during the post-match presentation.

Auqib’s season was instrumental in J&K’s rise, as he consistently delivered breakthroughs at crucial moments. His decisive spells, including a key five-wicket haul in the final, helped secure the commanding first-innings advantage that ultimately determined the outcome of the title clash.

Explaining his mindset in high-pressure situations, Auqib emphasised his commitment to team success and consistency over individual milestones, saying, “My plan is always simple, no matter which match it is. I try to give my best in every game. Whenever the team requires something, I try to put in my full effort because every match is important. When you reach the knockouts, every match becomes a must-win. So my mindset is to contribute to the team in whatever way possible and give my 100 percent.”

His performances throughout the tournament reflected that philosophy, as he emerged as J&K’s strike weapon, delivering with both the new ball and in critical middle-phase spells.

Speaking about his approach to bowling and the support system behind his success, Auqib highlighted the importance of process, discipline and emotional backing from family and fans.

“I think I don’t overthink about results. I focus on my process. I don’t bowl just by looking at the batter – my focus is to hit the right areas consistently and get the batter out so that my team can win. They (family) are extremely happy. Everyone has supported me a lot. Without their support on this journey, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.

“I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart. I also want to thank the people of Jammu and Kashmir and tell them something – in these days I’ve received so many messages, wishes, and prayers. I’m very grateful to all of them. My message would be this: even if you don’t have facilities, even if resources are limited, just work hard and don’t think about anything else. Give it your all and keep inspiring others through your dedication,” Auqib concluded.

–IANS

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Dublin, May 27 (IANS) Ireland have suffered a setback ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as experienced all-rounder Laura Delany has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, with 18-year-old Alice Tector drafted into the squad as Delany’s replacement for both the World Cup and the upcoming tri-series involving the West Indies and Pakistan.

Tector, who made her international debut in 2024, comes from a well-known cricketing family and is the younger sister of Ireland internationals Harry Tector and Tim Tector. Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Graeme West, expressed disappointment over Delany’s absence while backing Tector to seize the opportunity.

“We are all devastated for Laura – she’s one of the toughest competitors that has ever played for Ireland Women and we wish her well with her recovery. Alice herself has had to deal with injuries over the last 12 months, but has shown a great temperament since returning to play in 2026,” West said.

Delany’s withdrawal leaves a significant void in Ireland’s setup, given her experience and leadership qualities, but it also opens the door for one of the country’s brightest young prospects. Despite having only five international appearances so far, Tector is now set for the biggest assignment of her young career.

Ireland will begin their preparations by hosting a tri-series in Clontarf featuring West Indies and Pakistan before travelling for the World Cup, which runs from June 12 to July 5.

Captain Gaby Lewis is expected to lead Ireland during the World Cup but will miss the tri-series as she continues recovering from a leg injury. In her absence, vice-captain Orla Prendergast will take charge of the side during the preparatory tournament. Prendergast currently sits seventh in the ICC women’s T20I all-rounder rankings.

Ireland, ranked ninth in the ICC women’s T20I standings, have been placed in a challenging Group 2 alongside hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Sri Lanka, the West Indies and Scotland. Group 1 comprises Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, the Netherlands and Bangladesh, with the top two teams from each pool progressing to the semi-finals.

–IANS

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