Ranji Trophy final to be held in Hubballi

The Ranji Trophy final will be played in Hubballi, Karnataka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to formally announce the venue but Cricbuzz understands from sources within the BCCI that the northern Karnataka city has been chosen for the marquee domestic fixture.

The final will be played between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir from February 24. The Karnataka State Cricket Association had the option of hosting the final either at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, or at the KSCA Hubballi grounds. However, the stadium in Bengaluru is currently undergoing extensive infrastructure and safety enhancement works in line with recommendations of the Expert Committee and other statutory authorities.

"Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and widened, along with other critical improvement works. In view of these ongoing developments, it would not have been feasible to ensure the high-quality match-viewing experience and spectator convenience that a marquee fixture such as the Ranji Trophy Final deserves," the KSCA said in a release.

"Further, the newly elected KSCA Managing Committee, which assumed office in December 2025 under the leadership of former India cricketer and KSCA President Mr. Venkatesh Prasad, had, as part of its stated vision and manifesto commitments, resolved to take major domestic and national-level matches to prominent mofussil centres across Karnataka. This initiative is aimed at promoting cricket across the State, nurturing regional fan engagement, and strengthening the sporting ecosystem beyond Bengaluru.

"After careful evaluation and detailed consultations, the Association, in coordination with the BCCI, has taken a considered and strategic decision to stage the final at Hubballi."

The line-up for the final, much as expected, was confirmed only on Thursday evening when Karnataka drew with Uttarakhand but progressed by virtue of a first-innings lead. Jammu & Kashmir, meanwhile, had booked their maiden berth in the final a day earlier, beating Bengal outright by six wickets in Kalyani on Wednesday.

This will be the 91st Ranji Trophy final and Karnataka have featured in the summit clash 15 times, having won the trophy eight times. Last time they played the Ranji final was in 2015 when they beat Tamil Nadu. Karnataka have won all their four head-to-head clashes against J&K - their last meeting was in Chennai in 2022.

Click here to read article