J&K Pacer Auqib Nabi Dar Scripts History: Maiden Ranji Title and Rs 8.40 Cr IPL Contract
BARAMULLA: The usually quiet village of Sheeri, located along the Jhelum Valley road some 40 kilometers from Uri, transformed into a hub of jubilation this Saturday. In a narrow lane barely wide enough for three people, the home of cricketer Auqib Nabi Dar became the epicenter of a historic moment for Jammu & Kashmir cricket. While mobile data was exhausted by the minute across the village, locals huddled around screens to witness two life-changing events: J&K’s maiden Ranji Trophy victory and a record-breaking IPL auction bid.
Historic Double: Ranji Glory and IPL Success
The celebrations began as the Jammu & Kashmir state team clinched the Ranji Trophy title in Hubballi, a milestone victory for the region. The atmosphere in the Dar household shifted from tense silence to ecstatic prayer as Auqib Nabi was named Player of the Tournament following the final. His father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, a government school teacher, recited player names like a prayer, closely tracking the match that would redefine his son’s career.
However, the drama extended beyond the boundary ropes to the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction table. According to Auqib’s cousin, Bilal Ahmad Dar, the room fell silent when Auqib’s name initially appeared. The tension broke when the Delhi Capitals initiated a bid, sparking a bidding war that saw the pacer’s value skyrocket to a staggering Rs 8.40 crore.
Auqib Nabi Dar: Season Statistics
| Metric | Performance Data |
|---|---|
| Role | Right-arm Medium Pacer |
| Ranji Trophy Wickets (Current Season) | 60 |
| Ranji Trophy Wickets (Previous Season) | 44 |
| Total Wickets (Last 2 Years) | 104 |
| IPL Franchise | Delhi Capitals |
| Auction Price | INR 8.40 Crore |
From Locked Doors to National Acclaim
The journey to the national stage was fraught with challenges common to athletes in the region. Auqib’s father, Ghulam Nabi, admitted to initial resistance, fearing cricket would distract his son from a stable career in medicine. “I often worried that cricket would pull him away from studies,” Ghulam Nabi said, recalling a time he locked Auqib in a room to prevent him from playing. The turning point came in 2015, when Auqib missed a medical seat by a mere two marks.
“Medicine’s loss was to become cricket’s gain,” his father reflected, wiping tears as scenes of Auqib’s interview played on the television. “My dream is to see him in the Indian jersey.”
Infrastructure Challenges in the Valley
Despite the lack of advanced sporting infrastructure in Sheeri, Auqib’s dedication remained unwavering. His cousin Bilal noted that Auqib would travel five kilometers daily to a small ground near the Lower Jhelum river to practice. Today, that perseverance has paid off, drawing praise from senior cricketers on social media and validating the years of struggle.
- Local Impact: Crowds gathered outside the Dar residence with drums, celebrating the first major cricketing star from the village.
- Academic Background: Auqib holds a science graduate degree from the University of Kashmir.
- Mentorship: Senior players’ recognition has been cited as a major morale booster for the pacer.
As the festivities continue in Baramulla, the focus now shifts to the upcoming IPL season, where Auqib Nabi Dar will look to replicate his domestic success on cricket’s biggest franchise stage. For comprehensive player profiles and statistics, visit ESPNcricinfo.