New Delhi, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jammu and Kashmir’s cricket fraternity celebrated a historic moment on Monday as pacer Auqib Nabi earned his maiden call-up to the Indian men’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka.
The right-arm fast bowler from Sheeri village in Baramulla has become the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected in India’s Test squad, marking a significant milestone for the region’s cricketing journey.
Known as the “Baramulla Express”, Nabi was included as a replacement for pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out after suffering a left knee injury during an ODI against England in Cardiff last month.
Nabi’s selection comes after two outstanding domestic seasons in which he claimed 104 First-Class wickets, including a remarkable 60-wicket campaign that helped Jammu and Kashmir secure their maiden Ranji Trophy title earlier this year.
The 30-year-old pacer had previously been overlooked despite his consistent performances, including being the leading wicket-taker in the domestic season. His impressive outing for India A in Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets, strengthened his case for national selection.
Sunil Kumar, Nabi’s new-ball partner for Jammu and Kashmir, described the call-up as a reward for years of dedication.
“He is a very hardworking person. Today, his hard work has yielded the fruit he truly deserves,” Sunil told IANS.
He said Nabi’s achievement would inspire young cricketers across Jammu and Kashmir, opening a pathway that had remained out of reach for players from the region for a long time.
BCCI-qualified coach Muzaffar Mattoo, who spotted Nabi’s talent during his early club cricket days, also hailed the selection as a proud moment for the state.
Mattoo recalled identifying Nabi’s potential in 2010 when he was playing backyard cricket before helping him join Baramulla Cricket Club and progress through age-group cricket.
Nabi now joins an elite list of cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India, following Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik, who featured in white-ball formats.
The pacer will travel with the Indian team to Sri Lanka on Tuesday, where he will compete for a place in the playing XI alongside Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar
Complete News Story
New Delhi, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jammu and Kashmir’s cricket fraternity celebrated a historic moment on Monday as pacer Auqib Nabi earned his maiden call-up to the Indian men’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka.
The right-arm fast bowler from Sheeri village in Baramulla has become the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected in India’s Test squad, marking a significant milestone for the region’s cricketing journey.
Known as the “Baramulla Express”, Nabi was included as a replacement for pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out after suffering a left knee injury during an ODI against England in Cardiff last month.
Nabi’s selection comes after two outstanding domestic seasons in which he claimed 104 First-Class wickets, including a remarkable 60-wicket campaign that helped Jammu and Kashmir secure their maiden Ranji Trophy title earlier this year.
The 30-year-old pacer had previously been overlooked despite his consistent performances, including being the leading wicket-taker in the domestic season. His impressive outing for India A in Sri Lanka, where he picked up six wickets, strengthened his case for national selection.
Sunil Kumar, Nabi’s new-ball partner for Jammu and Kashmir, described the call-up as a reward for years of dedication.
“He is a very hardworking person. Today, his hard work has yielded the fruit he truly deserves,” Sunil told IANS.
He said Nabi’s achievement would inspire young cricketers across Jammu and Kashmir, opening a pathway that had remained out of reach for players from the region for a long time.
BCCI-qualified coach Muzaffar Mattoo, who spotted Nabi’s talent during his early club cricket days, also hailed the selection as a proud moment for the state.
Mattoo recalled identifying Nabi’s potential in 2010 when he was playing backyard cricket before helping him join Baramulla Cricket Club and progress through age-group cricket.
Nabi now joins an elite list of cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India, following Parvez Rasool and Umran Malik, who featured in white-ball formats.
The pacer will travel with the Indian team to Sri Lanka on Tuesday, where he will compete for a place in the playing XI alongside Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar.
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