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Srinagar is ready for a big cricket comeback as the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium is all set to host one of the biggest matches ever seen in Jammu and Kashmir. The historic Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium will reportedly host the Irani Cup 2026 from October 1 to 5.
The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions, Jammu and Kashmir, will face the Rest of India in the Irani Cup 2026. If the match goes ahead at the venue, it will be the biggest match in Kashmir since the India-Australia ODI played in Srinagar in September 1986. Amid this, Murali Kartik explains why Dhruv Jurel should play ahead of Sarfaraz Khan in 1st Test vs Sri Lanka.
Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium set for another historic chapter
The Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium has a limited but memorable history. It has hosted only two ODIs so far. The first came on October 13, 1983, when India played the West Indies. Bad weather affected the game, and the West Indies were declared winners.
Three years later, India returned to the valley for another ODI, as they hosted Australia, who won that match by three wickets on September 9, 1986. Even last year, the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium hosted a key Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir.
Now, the Irani Cup 2026 is all set to once again bring a huge spotlight to the Valley. The Irani Cup is played between the previous Ranji Trophy winners and the rest of the Indian team. Jammu and Kashmir have already earned their place after winning the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy.
Jammu and Kashmir had defeated Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground in Hubli to win their maiden title. However, the BCCI has not yet announced the Rest of India (ROI) squad for the 2026 Irani Cup.
Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium to host Irani Cup 2026 as BCCI orders major upgrade
Well, the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, which currently has space for around 5,000 spectators, is all set to host the Irani Cup 2026, as confirmed by the Jammu & Kashmir head coach Ajay Sharma. Amid this, India vs Pakistan Asian Games 2026: Full match scenarios.
The coach was quoted as saying by the Times of India, “The Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar will host the Irani Cup match between J&K and RoI from Oct 1-5.”
A source close to the development shared, as quoted by TOI: “The stadium is bracing for the big game. It will need a major uplift, as the match will be telecast live. The BCCI has sent its team twice to Srinagar to guide the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association on what needs to be done to host the big game. We need to have a commentators' box, proper telecast arrangements, a media box, and a few more stands—both temporary and permanent—for the spectators.”
In today's TOI! pic.twitter.com/PTdxDVGz7P
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) August 13, 2026
However, the BCCI has not yet confirmed the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium as the Irani Cup 2026 venue.
Auqib Nabi set to lead Jammu and Kashmir's attack in Irani Cup 2026
Meanwhile, Auqib Nabi is expected to be one of Jammu and Kashmir’s biggest weapons in the Irani Cup. The Baramulla pacer had a sensational 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. He finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker after taking 60 wickets.
Auqib produced a superb spell of 5 wickets for 54 runs from 23 overs in the first innings in the final. He is currently part of India’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka. Yudhvir Singh Charak, the Rajasthan Royals fast bowler, could be another key player for the hosts in the Irani Cup against the Rest of India.
After this premier tournament, Jammu and Kashmir will begin their 2026-27 Ranji Trophy campaign on October 11 against Madhya Pradesh. They have been placed in Elite Group A alongside Vidarbha, Baroda, Puducherry, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Goa.
