Abu Dhabi: Auqib Nabi Dar, a right-arm pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, scripted a fairytale moment at the IPL 2026 mini auction after being snapped up by Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore, turning him into an overnight crorepati. Entering the auction with a modest base price of ₹30 lakh, the 29-year-old witnessed a fierce four-way bidding war in Abu Dhabi that catapulted his value nearly 28 times.
Delhi Capitals Win Auction Battle
Delhi Capitals opened the bidding for Auqib Nabi at his base price and soon found themselves in competition with Rajasthan Royals. Although RR exited early, Royal Challengers Bengaluru joined the fray as the price crossed ₹1 crore. The contest intensified when Sunrisers Hyderabad stepped in, leading to a prolonged duel before Delhi Capitals ultimately sealed the deal at ₹8.40 crore.
This marked Auqib Nabi’s maiden IPL contract and the highest-ever auction price fetched by a cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir.
Domestic Performances That Caught IPL Scouts’ Attention
Auqib Nabi’s meteoric rise is backed by consistent performances across formats in the domestic circuit.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025
- 15 wickets in 7 matches
- Economy rate: 7.41
- Best figures: 4/16 vs Bihar
Ranji Trophy 2025–26
- 29 wickets in 9 innings
- Three five-wicket hauls
- Career-best spell: 7/24 vs Rajasthan
- Key contributor in J&K’s qualification to the knockouts
In the previous Ranji season, he was equally impressive, claiming 44 wickets at an exceptional average of 13.93, establishing himself as one of India’s most effective red-ball pacers.
All You Need to Know About Auqib Nabi Dar
- Full name: Auqib Nabi Dar
- Age: 29
- Hometown: Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir
- Bowling style: Right-arm medium fast
- Batting: Handy lower-order contributor
Career Statistics (as of 2025)
- First-class: 36 matches, 125 wickets, 870 runs
- List A: 29 matches
- T20s: 34 matches
- Recent SMAT match: 3/19 in 4 overs and 32 off 21 balls vs Madhya Pradesh
Auqib made his first-class debut in 2020 against Jharkhand and has steadily built a reputation for swinging the new ball and extracting movement with the old one.
From Baramulla to the IPL: A Dream Journey
Hailing from the small town of Baramulla, Auqib Nabi has become the third pacer from Jammu and Kashmir to feature in the IPL after Umran Malik and Yudhvir Singh Charak. After going unsold in previous auctions, his perseverance and domestic dominance finally paid off in historic fashion.
His IPL selection is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment for cricket in Kashmir, highlighting the region’s growing impact on India’s premier T20 league.
IPL 2026 Auction: Auqib Nabi’s 28x Surge
- Base price: ₹30 lakh
- Final price: ₹8.40 crore
- Franchise: Delhi Capitals
- Increase: 28 times base value
With his ability to bowl in powerplays and at the death, Delhi Capitals will be hoping Auqib Nabi can translate his domestic success onto the IPL stage.
