Srinagar, Dec 15: As the IPL 2026 auction gets underway today, cricket lovers across Jammu and Kashmir will be glued to their television screens and mobile phones, hoping to witness yet another local star take a leap onto the biggest stage of franchise cricket. At the centre of attention is J&K’s pace spearhead Auqib Nabi, whose name has generated strong buzz ahead of the auction.
Auqib, who has enjoyed an impressive run in the domestic circuit over the past and ongoing season, is being closely tracked by several franchises. Reports suggest that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are among the teams deliberating bids for the right-arm seamer, making him one of the most talked-about J&K players going into the auction.
Speaking to Greater Kashmir ahead of the auction, Auqib sounded hopeful yet grounded.
“This time it feels positive from all sides. As you can see on social media too, there are good signs. I am very hopeful this time around,” he said.
Auqib revealed that he attended trials with multiple franchises and received encouraging feedback.
“I gave trials for RCB, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. All the trials went well. When you perform well in domestic cricket, the response from franchises is naturally positive. They appreciated my performances, so let’s see what happens,” he added.
While the fast bowler maintained that selection and rejection are part of a cricketer’s journey, he admitted the nearing auction has brought renewed optimism.
“There is no point worrying about selection or rejection. You just keep working hard. Now that the auction is close, we will know tomorrow,” he said.
A Father’s Hope, A Family’s Prayer
Back home, emotions are running high. Auqib’s father, speaking to Greater Kashmir, shared a deeply personal account of the family’s hopes and conversations around cricket.
“He has performed exceptionally well in domestic cricket this season. At home, we discuss every match, what went right, and what could have been better. There is always talk about wickets, spells and performance,” he said.
Referring to Auqib’s performances across tournaments, he added,
“His domestic season was amazing, whether it was the Duleep Trophy or Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. There are high chances this time that he will make his IPL debut, Inshallah.”
While optimism fills the household, nervous anticipation remains inevitable.
“As a parent, you feel anxious. You don’t know what will happen tomorrow. But we believe in Allah’s will. Whatever happens, happens for the best,” he said, adding that the entire family will follow the auction closely.
More J&K Names in the Fray
Auqib is not the only J&K cricketer drawing attention at the auction. Left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq is also considered a strong prospect, with reports indicating that Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals are keen on bidding for him.
Meanwhile, J&K all-rounder Nasir Lone remains in contention as well, having impressed with consistent and impactful performances during the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where his all-round abilities caught the eye of several scouts.