Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi first came into the limelight in August 2025 by becoming the first player to claim a double hat-trick (4 wickets in 4 balls) in the Duleep Trophy. Since then, the fast bowler from Baramulla, Kashmir, has taken the cricket fraternity by storm. Eventually earning a contract worth INR 8.40 crore with the Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2026.

Auqib Nabi Early Life

The J&K-born Nabi's rise is particularly noteworthy given his background. Born on November 4, 1996, Auqib grew up in Baramulla, a historic city and district in Jammu and Kashmir, India.

He honed his skills in limited spaces and on hilly terrain, far away from the luxuries of life. Notably, his tough training early on in the career foundation has shaped his control and ability to extract movement with the new ball, qualities that now make him an exciting element for the Delhi Capitals, who are still eyeing their maiden IPL title.

Auqib Nabi Domestic Career

Stepping into the professional setup, Auqib Nabi made his List A debut for Jammu and Kashmir in the 2018-19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, followed by his T20 debut on 11 November 2019, for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2019–20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Playing his maiden first-class season in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy, Auqib Nabi, on 19 January 2020, took 5 for 39 wickets against Odisha to send a strong message. In the 2024–25 Ranji season, Auqib took 44 wickets, the second-most in the season, with a strike-rate of 30.47 and an average of 13.93.

For his exceptional numbers, he was selected for the North Zone in the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy. In the game against East Zone, Auqib Nabi made history by taking four wickets in four balls, becoming the first player to claim a double hat-trick in the tournament.

He continued his fabulous form in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26, as the J&K pacer produced a sensational 7/24 against Rajasthan.

His exceptional performances helped J&K reach the finals of the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 67 years, with a Player of the Match performance in the semifinal. 

Auqib Nabi IPL

In the IPL 2026 auction, the Jammu and Kashmir’s pacer, Auqib Dar Nabi, was finally rewarded after dominating the domestic circuit for years. Nabi entered the Indian Premier League mini auction in Abu Dhabi with a base price of Rs 30 lakh and was acquired by the Delhi Capitals for a whopping Rs 8.40 crore.

Auqib Nabi’s IPL team, DC, was involved in a bidding war with other teams, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, but eventually secured the player after a fierce battle. 

(As of Feburary 2026)