Baramulla celebrates as local star Auqib Dar hits IPL jackpot

The narrow lanes of Sheeri village in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district were filled with jubilation on Tuesday as news broke that local fast-bowling sensation Auqib Nabi Dar had scripted history at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, securing a Rs 8.40 crore contract with Delhi Capitals.

For the 29-year-old pacer, the moment marked not just his maiden IPL selection but also a first for Kashmir — never before has a cricketer from the Valley been bought at such a high price at the world’s biggest T20 league.

The bidding for Auqib began with Delhi Capitals, before Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru joined the race. As the price crossed the Rs 1 crore mark, Rajasthan stepped out, while RCB continued to challenge Delhi. Sunrisers Hyderabad later entered the contest, triggering an intense bidding war that finally ended with Delhi Capitals securing the Kashmiri speedster for Rs 8.40 crore at the auction held in Abu Dhabi.

The moment the hammer fell, celebrations erupted thousands of kilometres away in Baramulla.

In Sheeri village, neighbours and well-wishers rushed to the Dar household, congratulating the family on what many described as a dream come true. Sweets were distributed and emotions ran high as villagers recalled the long and difficult journey that brought Auqib to this moment.

“He started from scratch. Everyone here knows the struggle he went through to reach this level,” said a villager, as groups gathered outside the family home.

Auqib’s father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, said the achievement was the result of years of hard work and perseverance. “I supported him in whatever way I could. We were hopeful he would be selected because he worked very hard. Today, everyone is happy,” he said.

The family now dreams of seeing Auqib don the Indian jersey. “The next big hope is the national team,” a family member said.

Officials and cricket insiders say Auqib’s recent performances made him one of the most sought-after uncapped players at the auction. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he has taken 15 wickets at an impressive average of 13.26, including a four-wicket haul.

His T20 numbers underline his consistency: 43 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 21.81, with two four-fers. In red-ball cricket too, Auqib has been equally dominant. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy, he has claimed 29 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.27, including three five-wicket hauls and a career-best 7/24 against Rajasthan.

“His performances have been superb. We hope he continues this form at the highest level,” said a teammate.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also congratulated Auqib on his achievement. "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," Omamr wrote on X.

Former Jammu and Kashmir captain and India international Parvez Rasool, who announced his retirement earlier this year, congratulated Auqib on social media, calling the moment a proud milestone for Kashmir cricket.

“Congratulations on securing a fantastic Rs8.40 crore IPL bid. A proud moment earned through sheer hard work and belief. You truly deserve this and much more. The best is yet to come. Allah bless,” Rasool wrote on Facebook.