Umran Malik Dropped From Jammu And Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy Preparatory Camp

Fast bowler Umran Malik has been excluded from Jammu and Kashmir’s squad for the Ranji Trophy preparatory camp, which will be held in Pondicherry. Malik, who has represented India in ten ODIs and eight T20Is, was part of the Jammu and Kashmir squad during the first phase of the Ranji Trophy.

However, he featured in only one match, against Rajasthan in Srinagar, where he failed to take a wicket. His domestic form has been under scrutiny, as he also struggled to make a strong impact in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In that tournament, Malik played five matches and picked up six wickets but was later dropped from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad as well.

Alongside Malik, experienced opener Qamran Iqbal has also been omitted. Iqbal had earlier grabbed attention with a memorable century against Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, a knock that played a major role in Jammu and Kashmir’s famous Ranji Trophy victory. Despite that highlight, he does not feature in the current preparatory camp squad, indicating a shift in selection priorities ahead of the crucial second phase of the tournament.

New Inclusions And Returning Players

The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has brought in a mix of new and returning players for the camp. Dikshant Kundal and Kawalpreet Singh have been added to the group, while Umar Nazir and Shubham Pundir make their return. The squad selection reflects an effort to balance experience with fresh options as the team looks to maintain momentum in the competition.

Jammu and Kashmir are currently placed second in Elite Group D, just behind table-toppers Mumbai. They have accumulated 20 points from five matches, keeping them firmly in contention for qualification. With the league stage entering a decisive phase, the team management appears focused on building the best possible combination for the remaining fixtures and the upcoming knockouts.

Preparation Plan And Upcoming Fixtures

Explaining the travel and preparation arrangements, the association stated, “To prepare the J&K Team for the tournament & acclimatise the team, the Management has decided to send its team to Pondicherry. The players and Members of Support staff of the team will travel directly to Chennai under the arrangements of JKCA on 16th January, 2026 from their respective locations. The team will then travel in the Bus from Chennai to Pondicherry arranged by the Cricket Association of Pondicherry. No individual movement from Chennai to Pondicherry is allowed.”

Jammu and Kashmir will begin their second-phase Ranji Trophy campaign against Pondicherry at the Sichem Stadium from January 22 to 25. This will be followed by a clash against Himachal Pradesh from January 29 to February 1 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium in Nadaun. The knockout matches are scheduled between February 6 and 28. Head coach Ajay Sharma is set to join the squad on January 17, adding further structure to the team’s preparations.