Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Dar has garnered attention after being acquired by the Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. His father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, expressed immense pride in the IPL contract but emphasized that the family’s ultimate goal is for Auqib to be selected for the Indian team.
Auqib, starting with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, ignited a fierce bidding war between the Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad later joining the competition. Ultimately, the 29-year-old pacer from Baramulla was secured by the Delhi Capitals.
“I can’t express my happiness in words… Now the only thing left is to get selected for the Indian team. Every parent wants their child to progress
and succeed,” said Auqib’s father.
Known for his consistent wicket-taking abilities across formats in domestic cricket, Auqib Nabi (registered as Auqib Dar) is primarily a swing bowler. Recently, he has enhanced his game, notably improving his death-overs skills, which has significantly increased his value.
His performance in the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy highlights this progress: 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate below eight, showcasing the effort he has put in. He has previously served as a net bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Auqib made his Ranji Trophy debut for Jammu and Kashmir in 2020, making an impact with a three-wicket haul against Karnataka in the quarter-final. In the last Ranji season, he was in exceptional form, claiming 49 wickets from nine matches at an impressive average of 13.08.
Earlier this year, during the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy game between North Zone and East Zone, Auqib gained significant attention with a five-wicket haul, which included four wickets in four balls.
With IANS Inputs
