How Far Has JKCA Come Since 2021? A Ground-Level Analysis

 Criticism is one of the pillars of every sporting journey. However, there comes a time when performance deserves more attention than criticism. Well, in the case of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), that moment has arrived now.


Since Veteran cricketer Mithun Manhas took the responsibility of the cricket operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021, JKCA has undergone a lot of transformation that goes beyond internal disturbance and selection disputes. Let's look at the areas where progress is evident, quantifiable, and promising.

📈 Structural Reform & Transparency

One of the biggest changes under Mithun Manhas has been the move from connection-based selections to merit-driven ones, for the first time in years.
  • Coaches, selectors, and team staff are selected through interviews and eligibility criteria, not connections.
  • Selection of players at every stage depends upon the performance data, fitness and trial performance. not favouritism.

🛠️ High-Performance Infrastructure & Talent Discovery: Then vs Now

Mithun Manhas has led the JKCA's cricket ecosystem through a noticeable transition from broken basics to an organised, result-driven model.

🚫Before 2021:

  • Only 5-6 certified coaches across the entire UT.
  • Zero certified Umpires are in most districts.
  • Poor infrastructure, including a limited number of operational nets
  • Injured players lacked help as there were no rehab programs.
  • Inadequate talent scouting resulted in missed opportunities.

✅After 2021 (Since Mithun Manhas took charge)


✅ 40+ certified coaches and umpires deployed district-wise

✅ Statewide coaching network established.

✅ Established modern facilities such as multi-wicket practice nets to provide exposure to players of different conditions. As a result, JKCA won against big teams in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, such as Mumbai, Maharashtra, and Baroda.

✅ All JKCA squads have dedicated strength and conditioning professionals as well as physios.



JKCA Talent Hunt Program

✅ The JKCA talent hunt has been in operation since 2021, and has given raw talent such as Sunil Kumar, a fast bowler who was discovered as a raw talent, who is now part of the JKCA system.

🏏On-Field Achievements (2022-25)

Since 2022, the JKCA's restructured cricket operations have resulted in both silent improvement and systematic advancement on the field. What was earlier seen as a struggling unit is now gradually becoming one of the most competitive state teams in Indian domestic cricket.

Here are the key achievements: 

🏆 Ranji Trophy 2024-25- Quarterfinal Finish:

  • Remarkable triumphs over domestic powerhouses like Mumbai, Maharashtra and Baroda.
  • Reached the quarterfinals - a milestone not seen since 2018.
  • Players and support staff demonstrated discipline, match awareness, and cooperation.


🏟️ First-Class Cricket Returned to Srinagar:

Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha greeting Players during the Ranji Match in Kashmir
  • JKCA successfully hosted a first-class match at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium after a long time
  • Last season, 2024-25, Jammu and Kashmir played two first-class matches in Srinagar, one against Maharashtra and one against Services.

🧢 All Men’s Teams Qualified for Knockouts (2022–23)

💥 JKCA Players Shine in IPL & BCCI Circuits:

IPL players from jammu and kashmir

Abdul Samad, Umran Malik, Yudhvir Singh, Vivrant Sharma, and Abid Mushtaq have competed in the IPL, and the majority of them continue to do so each year. Their ascent is not just solely individual; it reflects an ecosystem that supports and develops talent to a national standard.

Shubham Khajuria

In recent years, JKCA players such as Shubham Khajuria and Vivrant Sharma have played BCCI circuits such as the Deodhar Trophy, and the player Shubham Khajuria has been consistently scoring runs in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.


auqib nabi highest wicket taker in ranji trophy
Auqib Nabi 

Shubham Khajuria has scored 679 runs with an average of 48.50 in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, with the best individual score of 255 runs, and Aquib Nabi has 44 wickets with an economy of 2.74, making him one of the highest wicket-takers in the tournament.

🤝Selection: The Toughest Part

Yes, not every player makes it into the top 11, and this leads to a lot of disappointment. However, it is important to understand that:
  • Selection is not personal; it is based on fitness, form, role, and match readiness and awareness.
  • The system is not the best, but it is far more balanced, structured and fair than ever before.

🧭Looking Ahead

Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Journey is not over. There is still a space for refinement, deeper ground-level reach and continued support to talent and junior cricket. 

The core has been restructured. The path to follow is obvious. And the results are starting to appear.

📌Final Verdict

Words are cheap. However, the ecosystem, perseverance, and results are not.

J&K Cricket has transitioned from turmoil to clarity, from noise to performance under Manhas's leadership. 



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