Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, erupted in joyous celebrations on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, as local cricketer Auqib Nabi Dar secured a lucrative Rs 8.4 crore deal with Delhi Capitals at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi. The 29-year-old pacer from Sheeri, a small village in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, has become the most expensive cricketer from the valley ever to be picked in the league.
The news triggered scenes of jubilation in Auqib's neighborhood, with family members, relatives, neighbors, and friends thronging the Dar residence to celebrate the achievement. People danced to the beat of traditional drums, and sweets were distributed as the atmosphere turned festive.
Ghulam Nabi Dar, Auqib's father and a teacher by profession, expressed his gratitude and joy. "Today he was rewarded for his hard work of over a decade. Everybody here is happy. I am thankful to the BCCI and the franchise that selected my son. I have no words to express this joy,” he said. He had supported Auqib throughout his journey. Dar's family distributed sweets and offered prayers, attributing the achievement to God's blessings and Dar's years of dedication and hard work. The family now hopes to see Auqib represent India on the international stage.
Auqib, who had a base price of Rs 30 lakh, saw an intense bidding war between Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad before Delhi Capitals finally secured him for Rs 8.40 crore. This substantial amount is nearly 28 times his base price.
Zubair Ahmad Dar, general secretary of the Baramulla Cricket Forum, believes that Auqib's success will inspire other youngsters in the Valley, especially in north Kashmir. "The IPL will now open the door for him to international fixtures and will soon be playing for the national side. Aquib has performed well in Ranji and Duleep Trophy tournaments and hopefully will do wonders in the IPL too,” he said. A young cricketer in Baramulla said that Auqib will now be their role model and was seen bursting crackers.
Auqib Nabi Dar has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, representing Jammu & Kashmir. His breakthrough season came in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, where he was the leading seamer for his side and the second-highest wicket-taker overall, with 44 wickets at an average of 13.93. He further showcased his talent in the 2025 Duleep Trophy, taking four wickets in four consecutive deliveries during a match against East Zone. In a domestic T20 tournament leading up to the IPL auction, he picked up 15 wickets in seven matches.
Former Jammu and Kashmir captain and India international Parvez Rasool congratulated Auqib on social media, calling it a proud moment for Kashmir cricket.
