Auqib Nabi Distant From BCCI Future, Doesn't Report For..

Auqib Nabi and Gautam Gambhir [Source: X]

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 hero Auqib Nabi has been the talk of the town after his recent heroics in the tournament, where his 60-wicket haul led Jammu and Kashmir to their maiden title win in the prestigious domestic competition.

However, even though there have been rumours regarding his call-up to the Indian national side, with BCCI President Mithun Manhas himself vouching for his selection, Auqib Nabi has been sidelined from certain special privileges that other domestic pacers like Gurnoor Brar, Simranjit Singh and Tushar Deshpande, among others, received.

Zaheer Khan’s Special Camp Ignores Auqib Nabi

India pace legend Zaheer Khan was recently roped in by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for a special pace bowling training camp at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. 

Many red-ball domestic and first-class cricketers were called up to attend the session and receive special training. However, the Jammu and Kashmir sensation, as per PTI News reporter Kushan Sarkar, was absent, which raises several interesting questions.

Zaheer Khan, who previously had a stint with Indian Premier League franchise Lucknow Super Giants, was brought in by the BCCI for this initiative.

As per a TOI report, “A batch of fast bowlers had earlier been called up from state associations for a special fast-bowling camp from February 28 to March 2 at the COE in Bengaluru under Zaheer’s tutelage. 

Head of Cricket at COE, VVS Laxman, has taken keen interest in this initiative. The statement mainly announced the invitation for training the next generation of fast bowlers in India.”

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Which Bowlers Attended Zaheer Khan’s Camp at the BCCI CoE?

The report further added that Zaheer Khan was keen on mentoring emerging pacers who would come through the ranks. However, as per Kushan Sarkar, the bowlers who attended the camp were Gurnoor Brar, Simranjit Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj.

While Auqib Nabi has been a generational talent for Jammu and Kashmir in red-ball cricket, his exclusion appears to highlight a delay in India’s future plans.

Nabi’s Weird Omission Amid IPL 2026 Selection

This exclusion has been a pattern for the fast bowler. Ironically, despite having a solid red-ball career where he consistently impressed with his skills, he was overlooked for years until the IPL 2026 auction, where he caught the attention of franchises and, after a fierce bidding war, was roped in by Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore.

Meanwhile, the red-ball bowlers who attended Zaheer Khan's camp are also part of IPL 2026, with Gurnoor Brar representing Gujarat Titans, Tushar Deshpande turning out for Rajasthan Royals, Akash Deep for Kolkata Knight Riders, and Anshul Kamboj featuring for Chennai Super Kings. Only Simranjit Singh failed to secure any bid in this auction.

However, this exclusion of Auqib Nabi contrasts with the India selection commitment reportedly made by Mithun Manhas, suggesting that the generational talent from Jammu and Kashmir is not going to be a part of India’s plans anytime soon.

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