Baramulla pacer Auqib Nabi Dar hits IPL jackpot, Delhi Capitals sign him for Rs 8.40 crore

 

SUHAIL KHAN

 

Baramulla, Dec 16: North Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has become one of the standout stories of the IPL 2026 auction, having been snapped up by the Delhi Capitals for a staggering Rs 8.40 crore. The uncapped Indian seamer has been making waves with consistent performances across domestic tournaments, and the Capitals moved quickly to secure his services.

 

Nabi has been in remarkable form this season. In the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he took 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 7.41. In his most recent outing against Madhya Pradesh, he delivered a crucial all-round performance, scoring 32 off 21 balls to help set a defendable total before returning to claim three vital wickets to seal the win for Jammu & Kashmir.

 

His domestic exploits go beyond T20s. Nabi had an exceptional start to the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, finishing as the only seamer among the top-five wicket-takers in the first half of the season. He claimed 29 wickets in nine innings, including three five-wicket hauls and a sensational 7 for 24 against Rajasthan, helping J&K secure a spot in the knockout stages.

 

This dominance followed his brilliant 2024-25 Ranji Trophy campaign, where he finished with 44 wickets at an average of 13.93. No other seamer in the country came close, with the next best taking 35 wickets, while only Vidarbha all-rounder Harsh Dubey bettered Nabi’s tally with 69 wickets.

 

Speaking exclusively with Kashmir Convener, Auqib’s father Ghulam Nabi Dar said, “I am at a loss for words. I am so thankful to Almighty Allah, it’s a dream come true for my son, for which he has worked very hard for ten long years. To reach this milestone, my son has been incredibly consistent—he worked very hard indeed. Sometimes he would even go without meals to continue his game.”

 

“He said, ‘Whatever price he has been sold for, it hardly matters to me and my whole family. What matters is his selection in the world’s cash-rich league, the IPL.'”

 

“I am very thankful to the selectors and the Delhi Capitals franchise who bought my son. It’s a proud moment for all of Jammu & Kashmir, especially for the Baramulla district, where everyone is in celebration mode. People are so happy with my son’s selection.”

 

“Now my dream is to see my son playing for the Indian National Team, and I am hopeful he will one day make it there.”

 

Fayaz Ahmed, a neighbor, said, “It took us 10 years to see this happiness in our village, and finally today, Auqib has achieved it.”

 

Speaking with Kashmir Convener, he added, “It’s a message for youngsters about how sports can change their lives, how consistency can make their dreams come true, and help them reach levels where they can not only represent the state but also shine for a bright, successful future—just as our village star Auqib has now made it to the national level.”

 

“We pray to Almighty Allah that he now earns his place in the national team. The whole area is in celebration mode; every single person is on the roads, overjoyed by his selection,” he added.

 

A relative, Bilal Ahmad, stated exclusively to Kashmir Convener, “Dair aaye, durust aaye (Better late than never). Today it has been proven that hard work with passion and dedication can never go to waste, as Auqib has finally made it to the IPL.”

 

“We always dream of better things, but when you work with consistency, the best is always the result, and Alhamdulillah, today is the best for our Sheeri star, Auqib Nabi Dar, who will now represent Kashmir, especially Baramulla district, in the Indian Premier League.”

 

“Whenever I used to talk to Auqib, he would always say, ‘I will never give up. I will work harder until I reach the national team.’ Today’s IPL selection is just a step, and I am very hopeful that after this, he will make it to the Indian national team. We are all excited to see him representing Team India.”

 

Sami, a local neighbor and a star cricketer in Sheeri village, told Kashmir Convener, “For me personally, I have been eagerly waiting for this moment for three years—to see my brother get auctioned in the IPL. And Alhamdulillah, today it’s a dream come true.”

 

“I cried a lot last year when, despite Auqib’s name being on the list, he went unsold. However, there is a saying that the fruit of hard work is never wasted, and when you work with all your heart and soul, you definitely get a fruitful result. Today, that’s the fruitful result of his efforts and hard work.”

 

“Auqib has not only made it to the world’s richest cash-rich league, the IPL, but he has also sent a message across Jammu and Kashmir that talent never goes to waste. When it is nourished with dedication, it results in shining colors.”

 

“There are a large number of youngsters involved in wrong practices, destroying their lives. Auqib is a shining example for them of how sports can change their lives, improve their standard of living, and make their families proud.”

 

Speaking exclusively to Kashmir Convener, Jehangir Lone, a famous cricketer from Baramulla, said, “This is a moment to cherish for the whole Union Territory. Reaching such a level is not a cakewalk. Getting selected from among thousands of talents across the country is itself a proud moment and speaks volumes about Auqib Nabi’s talent.”

 

“I am hopeful that seeing his selection, many more youngsters will turn to sports and play an important role in proving their mettle.”

 

Meanwhile, Auqib Nabi Dar’s native village is immersed in joy, with massive celebrations as people dance in the streets to mark his selection.