Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final venue locked [Source: @imArshit/x]The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly locked in a venue for the upcoming Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir. The impending fixture marks a historic occasion, considering it will be Jammu & Kashmir’s first-ever appearance in a Ranji Trophy final. However, it is the Karnataka team that will enjoy the home advantage in the all-important title clash, as per the recent reports. KSCA Stadium to host Karnataka vs Jammu & Kashmir final The final match of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season will reportedly be hosted by the KSCA Stadium in Rajnagar, Hubballi. The final itself will be a five-day affair, much like the other Ranji knockout fixtures, and will be played between February 24 and February 28. While speaking with the PTI, a Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official said “Karnataka vs Jammu and Kashmir, five days final from February 24 is to be played in KSCA Stadium, Rajnagar, Hubballi.” Interestingly, the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has also received conditional nod from the Karnataka state cabinet to host competitive matches going ahead ever since the deadly stampede that broke out at the venue last year. However, hosting the Ranji Trophy final in Hubballi seems to align with the vision of former Indian fast bowler and active KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad. The ex-Indian cricketer had earlier stated that he is aiming to take the sport to various corners of the state. Jammu and Kashmir script history with semifinal win On Wednesday, February 18; Jammu & Kashmir completed a six-wicket routing of Bengal in the second semifinal of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy in Kalyani. Chasing 126 on Day 4, Vanshaj Sharma at number four scored a courageous 43* off 83 balls with four fours and a six. Abdul Samad also belted a quick 30* off just 27 deliveries as the duo notched up the winning runs together in 34.4 overs. Jammu and Kashmir tearaway paceman Auqib Nabi, who is set to make his IPL debut for the Delhi Capitals, bagged the ‘Player of the Match’ award for picking up nine wickets across both innings. The outcome marked a historic one for the Jammu & Kashmir team, considering they have reached the final of a Ranji Trophy season for the first time throughout their cricketing journey. Karnataka all but confirmed for Ranji Trophy final While the Karnataka cricket team has not defeated Uttarakhand in the first semifinal yet, the Devdutt Padikkal-led side is a firm contender to grab a spot in the Ranji Trophy final. Batting first, Karnataka mounted 736 runs with a century from KL Rahul and a double ton from captain Padikkal. Bowlers bundled out Uttarakhand for just 233 in 88.5 overs as Karnataka gained a huge 503-run lead at the halfway stage of the match. Vidyadhar Patil (3-40) and Vijaykumar Vyshak (3-45) picked up three wickets each in the innings. Karnataka eventually concluded Day 4 by reaching 299-6 in 63.5 overs, thus extending their lead to 802 runs.
