In what promises to be the biggest cricket match in Jammu & Kashmir since the 1980s, the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar is preparing to host the Irani Cup clash in October between 2025-26 Ranji Trophy champions Jammu and Kashmir and the Rest of India.

The match, scheduled from October 1 to 5, will be the biggest cricket contest held in Kashmir since the One-Day International between India and Australia on September 9, 1986. The venue has hosted two ODIs in its history — the first saw India take on the West Indies on October 13, 1983, with the visitors declared winners in a weather-affected game, while in the second Australia beat India by three wickets.

"The Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar will host the Irani Cup match between J&K and RoI from Oct 1-5," Jammu & Kashmir head coach Ajay Sharma told TOI. "The stadium is bracing for the big game. It will need a major uplift as the match will be telecast live."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially confirm the venue for the Irani Cup 2026, but preparations are already underway. "The BCCI has sent its team twice to Srinagar to guide the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association on what needs to be done to host the big game. We need to have a commentators' box, proper telecast arrangements, a media box and a few more stands — both temporary and permanent — for the spectators," a source tracking developments told TOI.

Stadium uplift and capacity

Presently, the stadium's seating capacity stands at 5,000 spectators, and significant upgrades are expected as the match will be broadcast live across the country.

From October 15-18 last year, the Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium hosted a key Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and J&K, where left-arm spinning all-rounder Shams Mulani claimed the 'Player of the Match' award after scoring 91 in the first innings and taking seven for 46 in the second.

Champions' key men

Captained by 41-year-old batter Paras Dogra, Jammu and Kashmir will bank heavily on swing bowler Auqib Nabi Dar, recently picked for India's two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. The 29-year-old fast bowler from Baramulla finished as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy with 60 wickets at an average of 12.56.

The Rest of India have won 30 Irani Cup titles so far, followed by Mumbai with 15. After the Irani Cup tie, J&K will launch their Ranji Trophy title defence on October 11 against Madhya Pradesh. The defending champions are placed in Elite Group A of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy alongside Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Baroda, Puducherry, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Goa.