J&K Star Auqib Nabi Sold for INR 8.40 Crore to Delhi Capitals

Auqib Nabi Dar turned into one of the most surprising highlights of the IPL 2026 mini-auction after attracting heavy interest from franchises in search of emerging Indian pace talent. The Jammu Kashmir pacer entered the auction at a base price of ₹30 lakh.

Nabi quickly became the subject of a competitive bidding as multiple teams raised their paddles in quick succession. Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad were the main teams that were in the bidding war as he received a massive amount at the auction table.

What is Auqib Nabi IPL 2026 Price?

Auqib Nabi's consistent domestic performances, particularly in the Ranji Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, along with his ability to swing the new ball in the powerplay, made him an attractive prospect. Delhi Capitals finally outbid their rivals to land Nabi for ₹8.40 crore, marking him as one of the most expensive uncapped players of the auction and showing the growing demand for impactful Indian fast bowlers in T20 cricket.

Auqib Nabi IPL team is the Delhi Capitals for the upcoming season. He had an impressive run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025–26, establishing himself as a key pacer in Jammu & Kashmir’s bowling attack. He played a decisive role in the group stages, delivering a standout spell of 4 for 16 against Bihar that earned him the Player of the Match award and took J&K to a comfortable win at Eden Gardens, the oldest cricket stadium in India.

Throughout the tournament, Auqib Nabi consistently made an impact with the new ball. His campaign also featured notable performances such as 3 for 28 versus Maharashtra and 3 for 19 against Madhya Pradesh. His SMAT performances boosted his reputation ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, marking him as a fast bowler capable of influencing games in the shortest format.

Auqib Nabi IPL 2026 Auction: From INR 30 Lakhs to 8.40 Crore!

Jammu & Kashmir cricket witnessed a landmark moment as fast bowler Auqib Nabi etched his name into history at the IPL auction, becoming the first player from the region to be picked for such a massive amount. Coming from Baramulla, Nabi was picked up by Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore, starting celebrations across J&K and particularly in his hometown.

The price tag came on the back of a stellar domestic season. Nabi has been in outstanding form in the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, claiming 15 wickets in seven matches while maintaining an economy rate of 7.41. He also showed his all-round ability in a recent clash against Madhya Pradesh, contributing 32 off 21 balls to set up a competitive total before picking up three wickets to lead Jammu & Kashmir to victory.

His impact has been even more remarkable in red-ball cricket. Nabi enjoyed a sensational start to the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy, emerging as the only fast bowler among the top five wicket-takers in the first half of the season. He collected 29 wickets from nine innings, including three five-wicket hauls. That run followed an exceptional 2024–25 Ranji campaign in which he topped the charts among seamers with 44 wickets at a remarkable average of 13.93, well ahead of any other fast bowler in the country, while only Vidarbha all-rounder Harsh Dubey surpassed his overall tally with 69 wickets.

Delhi Capitals, strengthened their squad by signing David Miller and Ben Duckett at their base prices of ₹2 crore each, will now be hoping Nabi can translate his domestic dominance to the IPL stage. Baramulla in particular erupted in pride at seeing one of their own secure a dream move ahead of IPL 2026.