Auqib Nabi: From Village Sirows to India’s Test Squad

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:24:40 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The 29‑year‑old all‑rounder from Jammu & Kashmir breaks barriers after earning a Call‑up for the two‑match series against Sri Lanka.

Auqib Nabi Dar’s journey from a schoolteacher’s son in Baramulla to the first cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir to play Test cricket defies odds of limited infrastructure and long winters. After a five‑wicket debut in the Ranji Trophy, he amassed 60 wickets that season, captured an IPL contract with Delhi Capitals and drew the attention of national selectors. Replacing Jasprit Bumrah in the squad for the Sri Lanka series, his call‑up is hailed as a historic moment that could inspire a new generation of Kashmiri cricketers.

Auqib Nabi: From Village Sirows to India’s Test Squad

"You play with so many cricket stars. Why don’t you take selfies with them?" Bilal Ahmad Dar asked his young cousin, Auqib Nabi. A smile answered, One day I will reach a place where they will want to take selfies with me. Years later, the prediction unfolded.

On Monday, the 29‑year‑old all‑rounder became Jammu & Kashmir’s first India Test cricketer after replacing Jasprit Bumrah in the squad for the two‑match series against Sri Lanka, starting 15 August. For a region where conflict, harsh winters and limited infrastructure have long restricted sporting opportunities, Auqib’s selection is a landmark moment.

Raised in a small village in Baramulla district, Auqib grew up playing on local grounds with little infrastructure and few opportunities. His father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, a schoolteacher, initially wanted him to concentrate on academics and become a doctor. After seeing Auqib’s passion for cricket, his father embraced the sport and supported his dreams.

A child of fierce determination, Auqib spent years traveling 70 km to Srinagar for proper pitches. He had no spike shoes when attending his first trial. Morning gym sessions and daily practice for ten years forged his resilience.

His breakthrough came in 2020 with a five‑wicket haul against Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy. Rapidly, he rose to 44 wickets in the 2024‑25 season, becoming the tournament’s leading fast bowler. The following season, he delivered 60 wickets in 10 matches, helping Jammu & Kashmir clinch the Ranji Trophy title after 67 years.

The performances earned him an 84 million‑rupee IPL contract with Delhi Capitals. Though limited IPL opportunities, his red‑ball feats attracted national selectors’ attention.

Parvez Rasool, India’s former all‑rounder and Jammu & Kashmir’s first international cricketer, remarked that the Test call‑up is “the ultimate dream.” He stressed that for a region with fragmented infrastructure, Auqib’s journey proves the potential of Kashmiri cricketers when given chance.

Back in Baramulla, Ghulam Nabi now receives widespread recognition. People come to him, hug him and say, ‘This is Auqib’s father.’ It makes him immensely proud, highlighting the ripple of change Auqib created.

The selection of Auqib Nabi not only marks a historic moment for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir but also offers a powerful narrative that challenges stereotypes and inspires youth amid difficult circumstances.