SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Sunday won the All-India Inter-NIT Faculty & Staff Cricket Tournament 2025, defeating NIT Hamirpur by 10 runs in the final played at the MANIT Sports Complex, Bhopal. With this victory, NIT Srinagar clinched the title for the third time.
The four-day tournament, hosted by Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, saw 24 NITs compete across the country. NIT Srinagar won the toss and chose to bat, posting 129 runs for 9 wickets in 15 overs. Key contributions came from Faisal Irshad and Dr. Pankaj Kumar, both scoring 22 runs, while Shahid Hamid added 19 and Sohail Ahmad Baba contributed 16, helping build a competitive total on a challenging pitch.
In reply, NIT Hamirpur fought hard but fell short, scoring 119 for 7 in 15 overs. Neeraj Dhiman scored a team-high 49 runs, supported by Aman Kumar with 26 and captain Surender Kumar Soni with 16. However, disciplined bowling from NIT Srinagar kept the target just out of reach. Tanveer Hussain was the standout bowler, claiming two wickets in three overs at crucial moments and earning Man of the Match honors. Mudasir Qadir and Shahid Hamid also took one wicket each, with sharp fielding and strategic bowling restricting the opposition’s scoring.
Dr. Syed Mohsin Shabir’s incisive bowling played a pivotal role throughout NIT Srinagar’s campaign. His ability to extract movement and maintain tight lines helped contain opponents, especially during key matches. His consistent performance contributed significantly to the team’s success.
The tournament concluded with the trophy presentation by Prof. Karunesh Kumar Shukla, Director of MANIT, Bhopal, along with Dr. Alka Bharat, Dean, Faculty Welfare. Both praised NIT Srinagar’s consistent performance, sportsmanship, and team spirit.
NIT Srinagar’s Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dr. Milind Pralhad Kamble, congratulated the team on their achievement, emphasizing the values of discipline and teamwork. Director Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia highlighted that the victory reflects the institute’s sporting talent and commitment to holistic development, boosting its reputation beyond academics. Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman lauded the players’ unity and perseverance, reaffirming the institute’s focus on encouraging sports among faculty and staff.
The 15-member squad included team captain Dr. Shakeel Waseem, vice-captain Faisal Irshad Ganai, Sohail Baba, Dr. Tanveer Rasool, Dr. Malik Parvaiz, among others. Accompanied by officials, the team dedicated their victory to the NIT Srinagar community and expressed gratitude to MNIT Bhopal for its outstanding hospitality.
Earlier, NIT Srinagar showcased dominance in the league stage, defeating NIT Andhra Pradesh by 105 runs with Faisal Irshad scoring 56, and beating NIT Kurukshetra by 63 runs thanks to Aaqib Jan’s explosive 80 off 40 balls.