Srinagar, Dec 30: On December 16, the hammer came down at the IPL 2026 auction, and with it, history was made.
Delhi Capitals bought Jammu & Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi for Rs 8.40 crore, marking his maiden IPL contract and the biggest franchise breakthrough ever for a cricketer from the region. Within minutes, celebrations erupted across J&K cricket circles. In his hometown Sheeri village in Baramulla, locals gathered outside his home, chanting, congratulating, and claiming the moment as their own.
The buy was no accident. It was the culmination of years of domestic consistency, from the Ranji Trophy to the Duleep Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where Auqib’s pace, discipline and knack for striking at key moments separated him from the pack. Multiple franchises tracked him, RCB, RR and SRH all entered bidding battles before Delhi Capitals sealed the deal.
Political leaders joined the chorus. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called it a proud moment for the entire region, while PDP legislator Waheed Para described the contract as proof that J&K’s talent only needs the right direction.
Yet amid the noise, Auqib remained calm, the same temperament that carried him through years of rejection.