The Indian Premier League 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi witnessed a stunning moment as uncapped bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabi Dar from Jammu & Kashmir sparked a fierce bidding war. The Delhi Capitals emerged victorious, securing the 29-year-old's services for a staggering ₹8.40 crore. This monumental price tag is a whopping 28 times his base price of ₹30 lakh, marking a spectacular entry into the IPL for the domestic star.
The High-Stakes Bidding War for a New Star
The battle for Auqib Nabi Dar began with the Delhi Capitals opening the bid at his base price. The Rajasthan Royals quickly joined, pushing the figure past the ₹1 crore mark before withdrawing. A direct contest then ensued between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with the amount swiftly crossing ₹2 crore. Sunrisers Hyderabad made a late entry at ₹2.2 crore, but Delhi's resolve was unshaken. In a display of determined pursuit, the Capitals outlasted all competitors to finally clinch the deal at ₹8.40 crore. This acquisition places Nabi among the most expensive uncapped players in the rich history of the IPL, a fitting reward for his remarkable consistency.
Who is Auqib Nabi Dar? From Baramulla's Dusty Grounds to IPL Glory
Born on November 4, 1996, in Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, Auqib Nabi Dar's story is one of passion triumphing over convention. Hailing from a modest family where his father, an English teacher, envisioned a medical career for him, Nabi chose a different path. He honed his skills on local dusty grounds with limited facilities, drawing inspiration from South African pace legend Dale Steyn. A right-arm medium pacer, Nabi has carved a reputation for his ability to swing the ball both ways, deliver deadly yorkers, and be effective with the old ball. His tall frame and long levers also make him a capable lower-order batsman who can hit big shots.
Dominant Domestic Form That Sealed the Mega Deal
Auqib Nabi Dar's jaw-dropping auction price is built on a foundation of exceptional domestic performances across formats. His breakthrough has been particularly emphatic in recent seasons.
In the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, he was the standout pacer, claiming 44 wickets at an impressive average of 13.93. He carried this scintillating form into the 2025-26 season29 wickets in the early rounds alone. This included three five-wicket hauls and a sensational best bowling figure of 7/24 against Rajasthan.
His white-ball prowess was on full display in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he picked up 15 wickets in just seven matches while maintaining an economy rate under 8. He even showcased his match-winning ability in the Duleep Trophy, achieving the rare feat of taking four wickets in four consecutive balls.
Since his first-class debut in 2020, Nabi has played 36 matches, taking over 125 wickets and scoring approximately 870 runs.
As Auqib Nabi Dar prepares for his maiden IPL campaign with the Delhi Capitals, fans are eager to see their new 'swing king' perform on cricket's grandest T20 stage. His incredible journey, from the challenging fields of Kashmir to a multi-crore IPL contract, stands as a powerful inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the nation, proving that talent and perseverance know no boundaries.
