New Delhi

There is a huge jubilation in Kashmir on the pace sensation Aquib Nabi Dar bring picked by Delhi Capitals (DC) for a whopping Rs 8.40 crores in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction at Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

This marks one of the highest bids for an Indian uncapped player and validating his breakout Ranji Trophy performances. 

Delhi Capitals announced its bagging Aquib on X:

Pehle Delhi ke against, par Auqib ab Dilli ke liye bhi 💙❤️pic.twitter.com/YEBKlFy2eP

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) December 16, 2025

Aquib, 29, hails from Baramulla and is a fine new-ball bowler who also has shown improvements with the older ball.

The IPL auction 2026 continued to spring surprises. The 29-year-old Aquib from Jammu and Kashmir, causing mayhem in domestic cricket with his skillset as a pacer, finally got a home in the biggest league in the world.

His family members were in tears on knowing about Aquib's selection in the IPL and spoke to the media. His mother was seen distributing sweets among the neighbours and relatives who flocked to their home.

A big break for Auqib Nabi!

After serious performances in domestic circuit, the Jammu & Kashmir seamer heads to Delhi Capitals after securing a ₹8.40 Cr deal at the TATA IPL Auction 2026! pic.twitter.com/iRlcGDHNR9

— waaaaaaaaaaaahid (@TheWahidBasheer) December 16, 2025

For Aquib, DC started the bid, and eventually Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) entered the fray. As the bid crossed Rs 1 crore, RR opted out, and RCB continued to bid along with DC, with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also joining in. It was eventually DC which got him for Rs 8.40 crores.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has congratulated Aquib Mir on his selection: He said on X

"Congratulations to Auqib Nabi Dar for this amazing achievement. We are all very proud of him & I’m pleased that his hard work has been rewarded. Now we wait for the season to start so we can celebrate Auqib’s successes. Speaking for myself, I’m now a Delhi Capitals supporter and can’t wait to cheer them on from the sidelines."

Peace and youth activist Wajahat Farooq Bhat, who also hails from Sheeri village posted pictures of Aquib's association with his organisation Save youth Save Future Foundation on X and wrote a heartfelt post:

Our village #Sheeri has witnessed many journeys, but few as inspiring as Auqib Nabi’s rise from the local lanes to the IPL stage. Securing ₹8.4 crore with Delhi Capitals is a major milestone, earned through years of hard work, discipline, and consistency.

His impact goes beyond… pic.twitter.com/iUgo6d5mg4

— Wajahat Farooq Bhat (@Wajahatfarooqbt) December 16, 2025

In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Aquib took 15 wickets at an average of 13.26, with a four-fer to his name. In 34 T20s, he has taken 43 wickets at an average of 21.81, including two four-fers. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy too, he has so far taken 29 wickets in five matches at an average of 13.27, with a four-fer and three five-wicket hauls to his name, including best figures of 7/24 against Rajasthan.

PDP legislator and a youth icon Wahid Parra said, "It is a proud moment for whole J&K! Auqib Nabi, son of the soil, makes it big with a ₹8.4 Cr IPL contract, a proof of raw talent from J&K. Handholding and the right direction are key; we have no shortage of talent. 

He said, "Sports has always remained a priority, and such achievements reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the talent".