From School Classroom to Test Heaven: Auqib Nabi’s Historic Journey
"You play with so many cricket stars. Why don’t you take selfies with them?" asked Bilal Ahmad Dar to a young Auqib Nabi. The boy’s answer was simple – one day he would reach a place where the stars would want to take selfies with him.
Twenty‑nine years later, that prediction has become reality. Nabi has become Jammu & Kashmir’s first Test cricketer after being drafted into India’s squad to replace Jasprit Bumrah for the two‑match series against Sri Lanka beginning 15 August.
Lived in a small village in Baramulla district, Nabi grew up under the watchful eye of his father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, a schoolteacher who initially wanted him to study and become a doctor. Though the region suffers from harsh winters, conflict and minimal sports infrastructure, Nabi’s love for the game defied those odds – travelling 70 km to Srinagar for proper pitches and training without ever owning a pair of spike shoes.
His perseverance paid off. In 2020 he debuted for Jammu & Kashmir in the Ranji Trophy and took a five‑wicket haul against Jharkhand. That season, he captured 44 wickets and finished as the tournament’s leading fast bowler in 2024‑25, before taking a record 60 wickets in 10 matches to lead the team to its first Ranji title in 67 years.
Those remarkable performances earned him an 84 million‑rupee contract with Delhi Capitals, though opportunities in the IPL were limited. That, however, did not stop his red‑ball exploits from catching the eye of India’s selectors.
“Playing Test cricket is the ultimate dream for any cricketer. It was my dream too. Seeing Auqib earn that call‑up fills me with immense pride,” former India all‑rounder Parvez Rasool said. “I believe it shows that players from Jammu & Kashmir can compete with the best if given the opportunity.”
For Nabi, the journey is a testament to hard work and mental strength. “To reach this level, you need consistency, mental strength and determination to keep believing in yourself,” he noted.
The selection is being hailed as a landmark moment for cricket in Jammu & Kashmir, a region that’s only just gained footing in national competitions, with only two major stadiums and a long history of limited resources. The news emboldens a new generation of athletes who now see that a dream – no matter where it starts – is achievable with perseverance and support.
Back in Baramulla, the proud father Ghulam Nabi is now recognised as the hero behind his son’s success. “People come up to me, hug me and say, ‘This is Auqib’s father.’ It makes me immensely proud,” he said. The story continues to unfold as Nabi brings new hope to cricket’s future in Jammu & Kashmir.
