In a telephonic interview with Rising Kashmir’s Shafat Malik after Jammu and Kashmir reached their first Ranji Trophy final since 1959-60, BCCI President Mithun Manhas said belief-driven reforms, depoliticised team-building and consistent support laid the foundation for the surge, adding that infrastructure will determine whether J&K’s rise translates into sustained national impact. Excerpts RK: Jammu and Kashmir have reached the Ranji Trophy final for the first time since they began playing in 1959. How do you view this moment? Mithun Manhas: These days come very rarely in life. The boys have raised our shoulders high. It is a proud moment not just for me, but for everyone — for you, for the older generation, for the players, and for the entire J&K. The whole region is right behind them. We received affiliation in 1957 and started playing in 1959-60. This is the first time we have reached the final. There is something to be proud of. RK: What, in your view, led to this structural shift in J&K cricket? Manhas: I will sum it up in one word, belief. Once you start believing that you are the best, everything starts unfolding on its own. In 2021, this team was largely made up of rookies. The best part was that they stuck together as a unit. We tried our best to support them in every possible way. We faced criticism, especially I did from many quarters, including journalists who questioned my decisions and moves. But that’s part of the journey. At the end of the day, if the team is rising, we are ready to face the criticism. You have to back your boys the way you back your children. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but you stand by them. RK: How significant is this final appearance in changing the perception of J&K cricket nationally? Manhas: It is very important. You have reached this stage for the first time. When you achieve something like this after decades, perceptions change automatically. In the last three to four years, for the first time in J&K, a team was formed without politics. Otherwise, it would have been a mess. Sports is played on talent and hard work. Decisions in cricket must be practical, not emotional. J&K tends to get emotional about issues, but cricket cannot function on emotional decisions. It has to function on merit. RK: You’ve mentioned support systems. Who do you believe played a key role behind the scenes? Manhas: First, I want to thank the groundsmen. They are the unsung heroes of J&K cricket. They work day and night to prepare wickets for our boys. Majid Dar Sahib works tirelessly under the supervision of Brigadier Anil Gupta. Gupta sahab has managed the administration very well over the last three to four years. The support system has been very strong. Under Ajay Sharma’s leadership, the entire support staff, bowling coaches, fielding coaches, trainers, physios, masseurs, everyone has contributed. A lot happens behind the scenes before a match is even played. RK: Is this achievement the culmination of groundwork laid years ago, or the beginning of a sustained competitive phase? Manhas: I believe the real game changer was the sub-committee that came in 2021 and the direction that was set from that point. That has been commendable. If you look at the last four years, across categories from under-16 boys and girls to senior women and men, we have qualified eight or nine times. Even now, our women’s team has a chance to qualify if they win their ongoing match and reach 16 points. This journey has just started. If you continue at this level, you will see international players from J&K. You will see Test cricketers emerging, which has not happened before. Earlier, we showed glimpses of talent with one or two matches. But now, consistency has come. In the last 13 matches over two years, we have lost only one to Mumbai and that too because of our own mistakes. We have won six or seven matches. The boys are playing very well. RK: How do you assess Auqib Nabi’s rise? Do you see him progressing to India A or even the national team? Mithun Manhas: Auqib Nabi’s performance has been outstanding. As a cricketer, I can say what he has achieved in domestic cricket is rare. At the same time, one must note that JKCA has been preparing green, bowling-friendly tracks in recent years. Taking wickets on those surfaces requires skill, but credit must also go to the openers who face those challenging conditions, often with their careers at stake. Aqib is a standout performer. He contributes with the bat, fields well, and has been a match-winner. There is a reason he commands value in the IPL. If he continues performing consistently, I am confident the selectors are watching him closely. The opportunity to go further even to represent the country depends on sustained performance. That said, when a team reaches a final, credit belongs to everyone. At different stages, you saw contributions from Shubham Khajuria, Paras Dogra, Abdul Samad, Abid Mushtaq, Sunil Kumar, Yudhvir and others. It is a collective effort. RK: What should be the immediate priority for J&K cricket, infrastructure, mental conditioning, or exposure? Manhas: Infrastructure is the most urgent requirement. In Srinagar, there is an existing structure where players train. But in Jammu, despite affiliation since 1957, there is no dedicated stadium. Players often practice on college grounds. We have formally requested land from the government and have met both the Chief Minister and the Governor. If land is allotted, not just in Jammu and Srinagar, but also in Rajouri, Poonch and the Chenab Valley, we can develop proper infrastructure. We have secured approval for an indoor academy in Srinagar on the BCCI model, which will allow players to train during winters. J&K is also the first association in the North Zone to develop red-soil wickets, allowing practice across conditions. If you focus on cricket, cricket will progress. With infrastructure in place, we can host international matches, generate employment, and boost tourism and revenue in the region. RK: When you took charge, there were structural challenges within J&K cricket. Now that the team has reached a Ranji final, what message would you give the players, consolidation or greater ambition? Manhas: My message is simple: play your best cricket. Talent and performance must define you. Avoid divisions or quota thinking. Use diversity as strength. Whether a player comes from Bhadarwah, Rajouri, Poonch, Gurez or Baramulla, play as one unit. Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you fail. But this team stands together. Umar Nazir, last year’s hero, is currently outside the playing XI. Umran Malik has returned from injury and is also out. That shows depth and competition. If players focus on building their strengths rather than pulling each other down, you will see more international cricketers emerging from J&K. RK: How crucial has BCCI’s backing been in this transformation? Manhas: The support from BCCI has been significant. I would especially like to acknowledge Jay Shah, he was the first office-bearer in decades to visit Jammu after 1957, assess ground realities, interact with selectors and players, and assure support. When you have that kind of backing, it helps accelerate progress. Now we seek similar support in terms of land allocation so that infrastructure can be built. RK: On a personal note, how do you feel at this moment? Manhas: I am proud. I care more about the process and the way the team plays than just the result. The entire BCCI has congratulated the team. Even the ICC Chair has acknowledged the achievement. These moments come rarely. The boys have made us proud. Our aim now is to secure their future and ensure that the right players get the right push at the right time. RK: Thank you for having us Manhas: Thank you