Jammu and Kashmir seamer Aqib Nabi took 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. (PTI)
New Delhi: BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia credits Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy win to the sub-committee appointed by cricket’s governing body in 2021 to manage the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), and to the committee led by current BCCI president Mithun Manhas, Brigadier Anil Gupta and Sunil Sethi, who have worked tirelessly to bring about comprehensive reform in Jammu and Kashmir. Cricket game.In an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com, Saikia reflects on the emotional moment of watching J&K lift their maiden Ranji crown and traces the journey from administrative turmoil to Paras Dogra lifting the trophy after defeating local powerhouse Karnataka in the final in Hubballi. He cites the emergence of player Aqib Nabi as a symbol of the strength of domestic cricket. Saikia also explains the talent identification process, the role of grassroots selectors, and why no artiste goes unnoticed in the current system.
Finally, he also shared an update on the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 schedule.
Devajit Saikia Exclusive: BCCI Secretary Talks J&K Ranji Win and Aquib Nabi’s Future
Excerpts:
What was your first reaction to watching J&K’s historic win? Does it feel like a fairy tale?
It is a momentous occasion for Indian cricket as well as for Jammu and Kashmir cricket. It was a big moment because a lot came out of it. Every place and every state in the country is a hotbed of cricket nowadays under the auspices of the BCCI. If you look at the history of BCCI and J&K head-to-head, you will see that the J&K Cricket Association was a mess from 2018 to 2020.
Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra and others celebrate with the tournament trophy after winning the final cricket match of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy against Karnataka, at the KSCA Stadium, in Hubballi, Dharwad District. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak) (PTI02_28_2026_000333A)(PTI03_01_2026_000561A)
There has been a lot of litigation going on in the J&K High Court. In this case, in June 2021, when Jay Shah was BCCI Secretary, there was a direction from the Jammu and Kashmir High Court that a BCCI committee should be constituted to look after the development of cricket in Jammu and Kashmir. Jay Shah took a very firm decision and put together the roadmap with three people in hand. This subcommittee was formed by Mithun Manhas, Brigadier Anil Gupta and Sunil Sethi.
That committee worked day in and day out to develop the game of cricket under the supervision of the BCCI.Everyone was giving inputs from the BCCI as well. That committee worked very hard and today you see the results. Within five years, from being juniors in India cricket, they are now India’s Ranji Trophy champions. This is a huge leap for cricket in J&K. BCCI is also proud of this J&K outing.
After J&K’s historic victory, will we see a world-class facility coming up in the state?
It is very important to note that there is no such infrastructure in J&K where they can host international matches. But the time has come now. Through their performance, they have given us the roadmap. They pointed out that BCCI should take a big step to develop cricket in J&K, especially in the area of infrastructure development.We are already working on setting up indoor cricket facilities in J&K. It is in preparation.
But we must also have a proper stadium in J&K. Wherever they decide, land must be allocated. This is the call of the times now.So, it is a huge victory in Indian cricket today. The road is very bright for J&K cricket as well as for India cricket as the main aim of BCCI is to develop cricket not only in key locations but also in every nook and corner of the country. The states should have proper infrastructure and proper growth of cricket so that the boys and girls there can get the best opportunities to hone their talents, come into the limelight, build their careers and bring laurels to the country.
Aqib Nabi of Jammu and Kashmir celebrates with his teammates with the team’s victory in the final cricket match of the 2025-2026 Ranji Trophy against Karnataka, at the KSCA Stadium, in Hubballi, Karnataka. (PTI Image/Shailendra Bhojak)(PTI02_28_2026_000260B)
Aqib Nabi took 100 wickets in two Ranji seasons. Does his success story reflect the importance of domestic cricket and the systems created by BCCI?
He played very well. His contribution was great to the team’s success. He took five wickets in the quarter-final, five wickets in the semi-final and left none in the final. His spell changed the final. So, everyone take note of that.We have entrusted our selectors to be present in every Ranji Trophy match. In the final match and in the other matches, our teams were present. I’m sure they did their job well.
He was already in the spotlight. Selectors will take a call.The BCCI has set the stage properly so that no suitable talent goes unnoticed. Everyone should be noticed. When selectors are present, their sole focus is on the players’ performance, which they do very well. This is why many players from smaller and lesser-known places get opportunities to represent the country.When a player performs well, take
Ishan Kishan
For example. He was out of the limelight for two years. He then performed and was immediately selected for the Indian national team.
Now you see how he is progressing and contributing to the team’s success.
Will BCCI introduce a more centralized scouting system to support talent identification beyond state federations and IPL franchises?
At the central level, we only have selectors. For scouting and other aspects, franchisees do their own thing. But cricket mainly depends on the country. Each state brings its own team. Therefore, it depends on the structure of the state.Each country has its own constitution. There are jobs for observers and cricket committees, and they do that job.As for the Prophet, he came from Baramulla. Who brought him to this position? Determinants in J&K.
BCCI selectors did not attend it. But when he plays domestic cricket and represents his state team, the BCCI selectors monitor the domestic matches. For example, a player from Hubli in Karnataka has to play at the district level first. He will then enter the line of selection for the regional team as well as the national team.
reconnaissance
Do you think the BCCI’s restructuring efforts have been key to J&K’s success?
When is the IPL schedule expected to be released?
Please wait 2-3 days for the IPL schedule to appear. We will release it as soon as possible. We know it is late because elections are being held in three or four states like Assam, Bengal and Pakistan
Tamil Nadu
. We are awaiting the announcement by the electoral authorities. We should receive a call within a day or two. Next, we will tell you how to proceed in the IPL.
