Indian pace bowler Auqib Nabi has joined Surrey for the final phase of the Rothesay County Championship, with the Jammu & Kashmir seamer set to feature in the club’s next three matches.
The move marks another significant chapter in Nabi’s rapidly rising red-ball career, with the 29-year-old earning an opportunity to experience county cricket in England after a remarkable domestic season in India.
Nabi will be available for Surrey’s upcoming Championship fixtures against Yorkshire, Sussex and Glamorgan. He is expected to make his Surrey debut against Yorkshire at the Kia Oval before travelling with the side to Hove for the clash against Sussex from September 8 to 11. His final game will come against Glamorgan at the Kia Oval from September 15 to 18.
From Jammu & Kashmir to Surrey
Nabi’s rise has been built largely on his outstanding performances for Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier first-class competition.
During the latest Ranji Trophy campaign, the right-arm seamer claimed 60 wickets at an average of just over 12.5, including a five-wicket haul in the final and nine wickets in the semi-final.
His consistency with the red ball has been exceptional. Nabi has taken more than 100 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, establishing himself as one of India’s leading uncapped fast bowlers.
His performances also earned him recognition outside the Ranji Trophy. In 2025, he produced a remarkable spell for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy, taking four wickets in four balls in the regional first-class competition.
India A and international call-up
Nabi’s performances eventually earned him a place in the India A setup earlier this summer before he was called up to India’s squad for the recent Test series against Sri Lanka.
Although he is still awaiting his senior international debut, his growing reputation has already attracted attention at the highest level.
His red-ball form also helped secure an IPL opportunity, with Delhi Capitals signing him in 2026. Nabi subsequently featured in five matches for the franchise.
Nabi excited by Surrey opportunity
Speaking after completing his move, Nabi described the opportunity to represent Surrey as an honour and said he was looking forward to learning from the experienced group.
“It’s an honour to join Surrey, one of the best Clubs in England. I’m looking forward to learning from the group and helping them for the next three matches,” Nabi said.
Surrey Director of Men’s Cricket Alec Stewart said the club had strengthened its bowling options because of a demanding Championship schedule.
“With the exceptionally challenging schedule of six games in six weeks, with minimal recovery between matches along with international fixtures, we’ve had to add options to our bowling stocks for the County Championship run-in,” Stewart said.
“We look forward to welcoming Auqib to the group this week.”
For Nabi, the Surrey stint provides another valuable opportunity to test himself in different conditions and gain experience in English first-class cricket.
After dominating the Ranji Trophy and forcing his way into India A and the national squad, the Jammu & Kashmir quick now has another platform to showcase his ability — this time on the county circuit in England.
