Kashmir erupts in celebration as Baramulla pacer Auqib Nabi bags Rs 8.40 crore IPL deal with Delhi Capitals
Baramulla, Dec 16 (KINS): Celebrations swept across Kashmir on Tuesday after Baramulla-born fast bowler Auqib Nabi was sold to Delhi Capitals for a massive Rs 8.40 crore during the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, marking a historic moment for cricket in the Valley.
As soon as Nabi’s name was announced at the auction table, scenes of jubilation unfolded at his ancestral home in Baramulla. Family members distributed sweets, hugged each other, and offered prayers in gratitude, while hundreds of residents poured into the area to share the joy. Firecrackers were burst and slogans praising the young pacer echoed through the neighbourhood, turning the locality into a festive ground.
Auqib Nabi’s rise from the streets of Baramulla to one of the most lucrative cricket leagues in the world has inspired not just aspiring cricketers but an entire generation of youth in Kashmir. Many locals gathered around television sets and mobile screens to watch the live auction, erupting in cheers when the bidding war ended in Delhi Capitals securing the fast bowler for Rs 8.40 crore.
“This is a proud day for Baramulla and for Kashmir. Auqib has shown that with hard work and discipline, our youth can reach the biggest platforms in world sports,” Adil Ahmad, who played with Nabi in his early days told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
Several young players were seen wearing cricket jerseys and holding posters congratulating the pacer.
Nabi’s family expressed happiness and disbelief at the overwhelming response. “We are extremely thankful to Allah and to everyone who supported Auqib throughout his journey. Seeing people celebrate like this makes us emotional,” a family member said while distributing sweets to neighbours and well-wishers.
Over the years, Auqib Nabi has built a reputation as a fiery fast bowler with the ability to generate pace and movement, earning recognition through consistent performances in domestic cricket. His IPL selection is being seen as a breakthrough moment for Kashmiri cricket, which has long struggled due to limited infrastructure and exposure.
Political leaders, sports administrators, and former cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir also congratulated Nabi, calling his IPL deal a “milestone achievement” and a “beacon of hope” for youth in the region.
Social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages, with hashtags celebrating Auqib Nabi and Kashmir cricket trending throughout the day. Many believe his success will encourage more investment in sports infrastructure and talent development in the Valley.
As celebrations continue across Baramulla and beyond, Auqib Nabi’s IPL journey is being hailed not just as a personal triumph, but as a collective victory for Kashmir’s sporting aspirations. (KINS)
