Sheeri, Baramulla: In a mountainous region Kashmir where dreams often wrestle with limitations, North Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar has scripted a fairytale chapter in his cricketing journey filled with perseverance, discipline, and quiet ambition. The son of a modest household from Sheeri village in Baramulla, the speedster, known for his relentless discipline and match-winning spells in domestic cricket, has turned into an overnight crorepati, sending his hometown Sheeri into a frenzy on Monday when he was picked by Delhi Capitals for a staggering ₹8.40 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, instantly making him one of the most expensive uncapped fast bowlers in the country.
For those who have watched his journey closely, the moment felt inevitable rather than accidental. Auqib comes from a modest and closely knit family. Auqib, son of Ghulam Nabi Dar, started his journey from the narrow lanes and makeshift pitches of Sheeri, honing his skills with the local cricket team Sheeri Star before moving to BCC Reds and then breaking into state-level cricket. A down-to-earth professional with ice in his veins and fire in his run-up, Auqib has always carried one burning dream in his heart: to don the Indian team jersey one day.
During the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, Auqib announced himself as a force to reckon with, finishing the first half of the season as the only seamer among the top five wicket-takers nationwide. He claimed 29 wickets in nine innings, including three five-wicket hauls, highlighted by a sensational 7 for 24 against Rajasthan, a spell that powered Jammu and Kashmir into the knockout stages.
His dominance was no flash in the pan. In the 2024–25 Ranji season, Auqib topped the national charts among pacers with 44 wickets at a staggering average of 13.93, outperforming seasoned bowlers across teams. Only Vidarbha all-rounder Harsh Dubey surpassed him overall.
Speaking exclusively to Kashmir Images, an emotional Ghulam Nabi Dar said he was “at a loss for words” after watching his son’s name flash on the IPL auction screen.
He said, “I am so thankful to Almighty Allah. This is a dream come true for my son, for which he has worked tirelessly for ten long years. To reach this milestone, he has been incredibly consistent—sometimes even skipping meals just to continue training.”
On the auction price, he added, “Whatever price he has been sold for hardly matters to me or my family. What truly matters is his selection in the world’s cash-rich league, the IPL. It is a proud moment not just for us, but for the whole of Jammu & Kashmir, especially Baramulla, where everyone is in celebration mode.”
With moist eyes but a firm voice, he concluded, “Now my dream is to see my son playing for the Indian National Team, and I am hopeful he will make it there soon.”
Back in Sheeri, the atmosphere has turned electric. As the hammer came down at ₹8.40 crore in favour of Delhi Capitals, the d: village erupte fireworks, drum beats, phone calls, and chants celebrating “Sheeri Star Auqib
Family friend Ghulam Nabi Najar shared, “It took us ten years to see this kind of happiness in our village, and today Auqib has finally delivered it. His journey sends a powerful message to our youth—sports can change your life, uplift your family, and give you a platform to shine.”
Cousin bother of Aqiba, Bilal Ahmad, summed it up with the phrase, “Dair aaye, durust aaye” (better late than never). “Today it has been proven that hard work, passion, and dedication never go to waste. Auqib has finally made it to the IPL, and he will now represent Kashmir—especially Baramulla—on one of the biggest stages in cricket,” he said.
Bilal recalled, “Whenever I spoke to Auqib, he would say, ‘I will never give up. I will work harder until I reach the national team.’ Today’s IPL selection is just a stepping stone. We are very hopeful that the next stop will be Team India.”
Local cricketer couch Mohmmad Shafi, considered a star in Sheeri’s cricket circles, recalled the heartbreak of the previous auction. “For three years, I have been waiting for this moment. Last year, when his name was there but he went unsold, I cried a lot. But there is a saying—the fruit of hard work is never wasted. Today’s auction is that fruitful result of his perseverance.”
He added, “Auqib hasn’t just entered the world’s richest cricket league; he has sent a clear message across Jammu & Kashmir that talent, when nurtured with dedication, will always find a way to shine.”
Referring to youngsters involved in wrong practices, Zubair Ahmad , a famous cricketer said, “Auqib is a live example of how sports can transform lives, improve living standards, and make families proud. His journey is a wake-up call to leave destructive habits and pick up a bat or ball instead.”
Prominent Baramulla cricketer Jehangir Lone told Kashmir Image “This is a moment to cherish for the entire Union Territory. Getting picked from thousands of talented players across the country is no cakewalk. It speaks volumes about Auqib’s skill, temperament, and hunger.”
He added, “Seeing his selection, many more youngsters will be inspired to take sports seriously, work on their fitness and skills, and prove their mettle at higher levels.”
Auqib has also proven his adaptability in the shortest format. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he picked up 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy of 7.41, underlining his value as a modern T20 bowler. His recent all-round display against Madhya Pradesh—32 off 21 balls followed by a three-wicket burst—further showcased his composure under pressure.
Behind the headlines lies a deeply human story. Auqib is the son of Ghulam Nabi Dar and Mehmooda Begum, and the pride of a close-knit family. He has one brother, Imran Nabi, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism at Kashmir University, and a sister, Nazia Nabi, who has stood firmly behind his journey.
Speaking with emotion, his father said the family often witnessed Auqib train through adversity.
“There were times when he skipped meals just to continue practicing. Whatever price he fetched does not matter to us—the real victory is his entry into the IPL. This is the result of ten years of consistency and faith.”
The celebrations in Sheeri village reflected that sentiment. Neighbours, relatives, and young cricketers poured onto the streets, seeing in Auqib’s success a reflection of their own aspirations.
“It took us a decade to see this happiness,” said Zahoor Ahmad, maternal uncle. “Auqib has shown that sports can transform lives.”
Local cricketers and former players across Baramulla hailed his selection as a watershed moment for Kashmir cricket, believing it will inspire hundreds of youngsters to choose discipline over despair and sport over stagnation.
Calm under pressure, focused in pursuit, and grounded despite success, Auqib Nabi Dar carries one clear ambition—to don the Indian team jersey. His IPL breakthrough may be just the beginning, but for Kashmir, it already stands as proof that talent, when backed by perseverance, can rise from the remotest corners to the grandest stages of world cricket.
