Jammu/Srinagar, March 1 -- Jammu and Kashmir created history by winning its first-ever Ranji Trophy title, defeating heavyweights Karnataka on their home turf at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground on Saturday. Chief minister Omar Abdullah was present in Hubballi to witness the final moments of the match, cheering the team on to the historic triumph. Following the emphatic victory, Abdullah announced a cash reward of Rs.2 crore for the players and support staff. Additionally, he said that the players would be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons. Expressing his happiness on X, Omar Abdullah wrote,"They've done it. Well done J&K." Earlier speaking to reporters the CM praised the team's relentless dominance throughout the five-day match against Karnataka at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground. "A lot of people thought this wasn't possible, but I think this shows that self-belief is the most important thing," Abdullah said. Having extended their lead to over 500 runs on Day 5, Jammu and Kashmir have firmly tightened their grip on the title decider. The team reached this position after bowling Karnataka out for 293 in their first innings, securing a commanding 291-run lead. While Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal put up a valiant fight with a knock of 160 in the first innings, disciplined bowling led by Auquib Nabi Dar, Sahil Lotra, and Yudhvir Singh Charak, shifted the momentum firmly in J&K's favour. In their second innings, a crucial 73-run stand between Abdul Samad and Qamran Iqbal steadied the ship. Opener Qamran led from the front with an unbeaten 160 - his second century in first-class cricket - while Sahil Lotra struck a fluent maiden hundred (101 not out), ensuring J&K remained firmly in control. By the final day, with Iqbal reaching a century and Lotra scoring a half-century, the team extended their lead to over 500 runs before sealing the victory. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the J&K cricket team and said the historic triumph reflects the players' remarkable grit, discipline and passion, and is a proud moment for locals. Modi hoped that this feat will inspire many young athletes to dream big. "Congratulations to the J&K team for their first ever Ranji Trophy win! This historic triumph reflects remarkable grit, discipline and passion of the team. It is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and it highlights the growing sporting passion and talent there," he said in a post on X. Union home minister Amit Shah also congratulated the J&K team, calling it a moment that fills every citizen with immense pride. J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha described the victory as the region's "finest hour". "J&K's finest hour has arrived! Emotions surging beyond words as I watch our cricket team claiming the Ranji Trophy," Sinha wrote on X. "To every fierce player who carved history through sheer grit: thank you from the entire UT beaming with pride." Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary also lauded the team's success, calling it a historic milestone. "This will set an example and encourage the children of Jammu and Kashmir. I pray that they emerge victorious."...