Srinagar to host Irani Cup 2026 after 40-year gap

The Story in Brief

The Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar will host the Irani Cup match between Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir and the Rest of India from October 1 to 5, 2026. The match will be the biggest cricket event in Kashmir since the India-Australia ODI in September 1986, ending a 40-year wait for top-level cricket in the region. J&K qualified for the fixture after winning the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy by taking a first-innings lead against Karnataka in the final. The 2026-27 Ranji Trophy champions will face the Rest of India, who have won 30 Irani Cup titles overall.

Pacer Auqib Nabi Dar, who took 60 wickets in the Ranji Trophy season and earned a Test call-up for India's tour of Sri Lanka, is expected to lead J&K's bowling attack alongside Yudhvir Singh Charak. The BCCI has yet to officially confirm the venue or name the Rest of India squad. The Times of India quoted J&K head coach Ajay Sharma confirming the October 1-5 schedule, while a source told the outlet the stadium needs upgrades including a commentators' box and additional stands for live broadcast. J&K begin their Ranji Trophy title defence on October 11 against Madhya Pradesh.