New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Ranji Trophy 2025/26 final featuring Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir is set to take place at the KSCA Cricket Stadium in Hubballi starting February 24, as announced by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Thursday.

A representative from the JKCA had earlier informed IANS that the final was likely to be hosted in Hubballi. "Considering the ongoing upgrades at the Bengaluru stadium and the Association’s commitment to decentralizing premier cricket, KSCA, in collaboration with the BCCI, has chosen to host the Ranji Trophy Final at the KSCA Hubballi Stadium.

"Various spectator gates and access points are currently undergoing dismantling and expansion, alongside other essential enhancement works. Given these developments, it would not have been practical to guarantee the high-quality viewing experience and convenience for spectators that a significant event like the Ranji Trophy Final warrants.

"Moreover, the newly elected KSCA Managing Committee, which took office in December 2025 under the guidance of former Indian cricketer and KSCA President Mr. Venkatesh Prasad, has committed to taking major domestic and national matches to key mofussil centers across Karnataka. This initiative aims to foster cricket throughout the state, encouraging regional fan engagement and bolstering the sporting ecosystem beyond Bengaluru," stated the KSCA.

Karnataka reached the final after an 11-year hiatus, having drawn their semifinal against Uttarakhand but advancing due to a first-innings lead achieved in Lucknow. In contrast, Jammu & Kashmir made headlines by reaching their inaugural final with a remarkable six-wicket victory over Bengal in Kalyani.

Besides Hubballi and the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium—which has been inactive since the tragic events on June 4 during the IPL 2025 celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru—the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and Alur Cricket Ground were also considered for hosting the final. However, these locations had limitations regarding broadcasting and seating capacity for fans.

Karnataka will compete in the final for the 15th time. The eight-time champions last appeared in the Ranji Trophy in 2015, where they triumphed over Tamil Nadu. Historically, Karnataka has dominated their encounters with Jammu & Kashmir, winning all four matches, including their latest meeting in Chennai in 2022. Hubballi also previously hosted Karnataka’s league match against Chandigarh this season, which they won by 185 runs.