The Newest Star: Auqib Nabi
Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi earned his maiden call-up to the Indian national team, replacing the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka. This selection marks a historic moment, making Nabi the first player from
the Kashmir valley to be picked for India's Test squad. The 29-year-old's inclusion is a reward for his phenomenal performances in domestic cricket. He has been the backbone of the J&K team, taking over 100 wickets in the last two Ranji Trophy seasons. His efforts were instrumental in J&K's maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in the 2025-26 season, where he claimed 60 wickets. A handy lower-order batsman, Nabi also impressed on the recent India 'A' tour of Sri Lanka, proving his readiness for the highest level.
The Pioneer: Parvez Rasool
Before Nabi, the most prominent name to emerge from the valley was Parvez Rasool. An off-spinning all-rounder from Bijbehara, Rasool became a trailblazer when he became the first cricketer from Jammu & Kashmir to earn an IPL contract in 2013 and subsequently play for India. He made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2014 and played a T20I against England in 2017. While his international career was brief, his impact was profound. By breaking into the national side, he shattered a glass ceiling and showed an entire generation of aspiring cricketers in the region what was possible. A consistent performer in domestic cricket, Rasool captained J&K and was a regular in India 'A' squads, leaving a legacy as the man who opened the door for others to follow.
The Speed Gun: Umran Malik
If Rasool opened the door, Umran Malik blasted it off its hinges. Hailing from Jammu, the right-arm fast bowler became an overnight sensation in the 2021 IPL with his blistering pace, regularly clocking speeds over 150 km/h. His raw talent was impossible to ignore, and he was quickly fast-tracked into the Indian national team, making his T20I debut against Ireland in June 2022. Malik, known as the 'Jammu Express', provided a different kind of inspiration. His success proved that players from J&K could not only compete but could also bring a unique and electrifying skill set to the highest level of the game. His journey from a net bowler to a full international put J&K firmly on the global cricketing map for producing extraordinary pace.
The Domestic Giant: Mithun Manhas
While he never earned a senior India cap, the story of Jammu-born Mithun Manhas is one of immense domestic achievement and influence. A prolific right-handed batsman, Manhas was a stalwart for Delhi in first-class cricket, scoring over 9,700 runs. He captained a star-studded Delhi team and had a long career in the IPL, playing for teams like Delhi Daredevils and Chennai Super Kings. Towards the end of his playing career, Manhas returned to play for his home state of Jammu & Kashmir in 2015. His influence continued after retirement, as he became a coach and was instrumental in the background during J&K's historic Ranji Trophy win in 2026, a victory that validated years of hard work and development in the region's cricketing infrastructure.
