Kashmir pen News Bureau Srinagar, Oct 15: The much-awaited Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season got underway at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Srinagar, with Jammu and Kashmir taking on a star-studded Mumbai side.After winning the toss, J&K skipper opted to field first on a fresh morning surface. In a surprising decision, speedster Umran Malik was left out of the playing XI — a move that sparked murmurs among fans who had turned up in large numbers to witness the season opener.The hosts struck early when Auqib Nabi dismissed Sarfraz Khan in the opening over, caught behind by the wicketkeeper. The early wicket boosted J&K’s confidence as Mumbai’s Ajinkya Rahane and Ayush Mhatre began to rebuild the innings with caution.At the time of filing this report, Mumbai were 24 for 1, with Rahane and Mhatre holding the crease.The encounter also marks the return of top-tier domestic cricket to Srinagar, as passionate local fans braved the autumn chill to cheer for their home team | Kashmir Pen
