SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar on Tuesday scripted history after being bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, making him the costliest player from J&K to be picked in the league. The price marked a massive jump from his base price of Rs 30 lakh.
Hailing from Baramulla district, the 29-year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler has been a consistent performer for Jammu and Kashmir in domestic cricket. Known for his impact with the ball and ability to contribute lower down the order, Auqib has steadily built a strong reputation across formats.
His impressive performances this season in India’s domestic cricket including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy caught the attention of IPL franchises.
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Auqib emerged as one of J&K’s key bowlers, picking up 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 7.41. In the Ranji Trophy, he has claimed 126 wickets in 36 first-class matches at an average of 19.82, with best figures of 7/24. He has also contributed 870 runs as a lower-order batter.
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Auqib has taken 42 wickets in 29 matches, with best figures of 4/39. His overall T20 record stands at 43 wickets in 34 matches, including a best spell of 4/16.
Before Auqib’s landmark selection, players from Jammu and Kashmir to feature in the IPL included Parvez Rasool (Pune Warriors India in 2013; Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014–2015; Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016), Manzoor Dar (Kings XI Punjab, 2018), Rasikh Salam Dar (Mumbai Indians, 2019; Kolkata Knight Riders, 2022; Delhi Capitals, 2024; Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2025), Abdul Samad (Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2020 to 2024; Lucknow Super Giants, 2025), Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2022 to 2024; Kolkata Knight Riders, 2025), and Yudhvir Singh Charak (Mumbai Indians, 2021; Lucknow Super Giants, 2023–2024; Rajasthan Royals, 2025).
Auqib’s record-breaking entry into the IPL marks a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir cricket.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Auqib Nabi Dar on his historic achievement.
In a post on X, the chief minister said, “Congratulations to Auqib Nabi Dar for this amazing achievement. We are all very proud of him & I’m pleased that his hard work has been rewarded. Now we wait for the season to start so we can celebrate Auqib’s successes. Speaking for myself, I’m now a @DelhiCapitals supporter & can’t wait to cheer them on from the sidelines.” — (KIMS)