Cricketer Rishabh Pant (ANI Photo)
The J&K Cricket Association has allowed free, though restricted, entry for spectators, and the home side can expect strong backing from a crowd of around 3,000. The injury interrupted a promising Test career, highlighted by his match haul of 10-187 in India’s thumping win over England at Edgbaston in July 2025. As a result, a fixture once viewed as a key audition for India’s Test team has lost some of its relevance, serving largely as valuable red-ball preparation for Pant. The Bengal pacer returns after seven months on the sidelines due to lower-back stress fracture.
Fresh from scripting history with their maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, Jammu & Kashmir now stand on the threshold of another landmark achievement. Hosting the biggest match in the state’s domestic cricket history, J&K will look to complete a rare double when they take on a formidable Rest of India side, led by India’s Test vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, in the Irani Cup at Srinagar’s picturesque Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium from Thursday. Yet, despite its traditional prestige, the Irani Cup has struggled for attention this year amid a crowded calendar. India’s T20 squad is at the Asian Games, another national side is engaged in an ODI series against the West Indies, while several fringe players are representing India A against Australia A in Puducherry. the selectors and team management will be equally interested in Akash Deep’s comeback While Pant’s presence will draw the spotlight.