New Delhi, August 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi is likely to join English county side Surrey for a brief stint in the ongoing County Championship Division One season, in a move that could give the pacer valuable exposure to seamer-friendly conditions in England.
Nabi is expected to be available for Surrey’s upcoming Division One fixture against Yorkshire, beginning September 2 at The Oval. The London-based side will subsequently face Sussex in Hove on September 8 and Glamorgan at The Oval on September 15.
Nabi recently enjoyed a breakthrough domestic season, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the Ranji Trophy with 60 wickets at an average of 12.56. His performances played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir securing their maiden championship title.
A source familiar with the development told IANS that Nabi has obtained his UK visa and was expected to leave New Delhi on Sunday, subject to travel and other arrangements.
“Yes, Auqib has got his visa for going to England, after all the paperwork was done. It is understood that he’s expected to depart for England from New Delhi today. If all goes well, he may be available from the game starting on September 2,” the source said.
The stint is also aimed at assessing Nabi’s ability to generate swing in English conditions as India prepares for its upcoming Test tour of New Zealand.
“The main purpose of this stint is also for the Indian team management and selectors to check if Nabi can swing the ball well there in England, as the climate in New Zealand for the Test series will need for him to do that in conducive conditions with the red Kookaburra ball in hand,” the source added.
Nabi was part of India’s recent 1-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka but did not feature in either match.
He is set to join several Indian players currently competing in England. Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who claimed 16 wickets in Sri Lanka, is rejoining Warwickshire, while left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is set to return for Yorkshire. Surrey currently also has India leg-spinner Rahul Chahar and uncapped batting all-rounder Mahipal Lomror in its squad.
After completing his county stint, Nabi is expected to join the India A squad for two red-ball matches against Australia A in Puducherry, beginning September 22.
His availability for Jammu and Kashmir’s Irani Cup clash against Rest of India in Srinagar from October 1 to 5 remains uncertain, as the second India A match in Puducherry is scheduled to begin on September 29.
Meanwhile, there is also a possibility of India pacers Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar featuring in the County Championship later in the season. Both are currently representing East Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final against defending champions Central Zone at BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground 1 in Bengaluru.
“The full details are yet to be known, but there’s a possibility they might play there,” another source said.
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