How a schoolteacher's son became Kashmir's first India Test cricketer

The journey of Auqib Nabi, a schoolteacher's son, culminates in him becoming Kashmir's inaugural India Test cricketer.

Auqib is set to join the squad for the series against Sri Lanka, commencing on August 15, stepping in for Jasprit Bumrah.

Bilal Ahmad Dar once inquired of his young cousin, Auqib Nabi, "You play alongside so many cricket stars. Why do you not take selfies with them?"

Auqib responded with a smile, "One day, I will reach a position where they will desire to take selfies with me."

Years later, this prediction has materialized.

On Monday, the 29-year-old all-rounder achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to receive an India Test call-up. He replaces Jasprit Bumrah in the squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin on August 15.

In a region where ongoing conflict, severe winters, and inadequate infrastructure have historically limited athletic pursuits, Auqib's selection is regarded as a pivotal moment.

Auqib, who grew up in a small village in the Baramulla district, played on local grounds that had minimal infrastructure and limited opportunities. His father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, a schoolteacher, initially wished for him to prioritize academics and pursue a career as a doctor.

Harsh winters and limited infrastructure have long restricted cricket in Kashmir.

Ghulam stated, "There was no future in cricket. We used to believe that playing sports was a waste of time, so I insisted that Auqib focus on his studies."

However, Auqib's unwavering determination eventually persuaded his father.

"After witnessing his passion for cricket, I accepted it. I realized that, as a parent and a teacher, I should not compel him to do something he did not wish to do. I began to support him."

Auqib's childhood friend, Junaid Dar, recalled growing up in an environment where professional cricket seemed almost unattainable.

"Auqib was consumed by cricket from a young age. I used to ask him, 'Why are you doing all this? There's no future in it.' We came from a place where the concept of playing sport professionally was nonexistent, and infrastructure was severely lacking."

To pursue his ambition, Auqib regularly traveled approximately 70km (43 miles) to Srinagar to train on proper cricket pitches. He did not even possess a pair of spiked shoes when he attended his first cricket trials.

Nevertheless, his cousin Bilal noted that his work ethic remained constant.

"Auqib is exceptionally diligent and consistent. He understands how to overcome obstacles and forge his own path.

"He would rise early to go to the gym and then practice for the remainder of the day. He maintained this routine almost daily for 10 years."

A ceremony to honor Auqib in Kashmir—he has become a local celebrity.

His breakthrough occurred in 2020 when he debuted in the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic tournament, for Jammu and Kashmir, securing a five-wicket haul against Jharkhand.

Former India all-rounder Parvez Rasool, Jammu and Kashmir's first international cricketer and Auqib's long-standing captain, highlighted one quality that consistently stood out.

"I have closely observed Auqib's progress for a considerable period, and what distinguishes him is his work ethic and discipline."

However, success was not instantaneous. Auqib claimed 44 wickets during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, emerging as the competition's leading fast bowler, yet he largely remained outside the national conversation.

"When you perform well but do not receive recognition, it is disheartening," his father remarked.

"But we must never lose hope. Hope is what sustains the world. I always believed his moment would arrive."

And it did.

In the subsequent season, Auqib delivered one of the most exceptional bowling performances in recent Ranji Trophy history, taking 60 wickets in 10 matches to finish as the tournament's leading wicket-taker and help Jammu and Kashmir secure their inaugural Ranji Trophy title after a 67-year wait.

Auqib delivered one of the most exceptional bowling performances in recent Ranji Trophy history, taking 60 wickets in 10 matches.

These performances earned him an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract worth 84 million rupees (£730,000; $982,000) with Delhi Capitals. Although his opportunities in the IPL were limited, his red-ball achievements had already captured the attention of India's selectors.

For Rasool, Auqib's Test call-up holds significance far beyond a single player.

"Playing Test cricket is the ultimate aspiration for any cricketer. It was my dream as well. Witnessing Auqib receive that call-up fills me with immense pride.

"In a way, it feels as though a dream many of us in Jammu and Kashmir harbored has finally been realized through him. It is a historic moment not only for Auqib and his family but for cricket throughout the region."

He believes Auqib's journey is remarkable not merely because he reached the Indian team, but because of his origins.

"Making it to the Indian team is incredibly challenging for any player, but the difficulty is even greater when you hail from Jammu and Kashmir. For years, we have contended with limited infrastructure, fewer opportunities, and numerous obstacles that players from other parts of the country do not necessarily encounter.

"To reach this level, one requires exceptional consistency, mental fortitude, and the resolve to maintain self-belief. Auqib has demonstrated all of these qualities, which is why this accomplishment is so extraordinary."

Auqib is also a valuable lower-order batter.

Jammu and Kashmir became affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 1957, yet the region still possesses only two major cricket stadiums, both with limited amenities. Prolonged winters, heavy snowfall, and decades of conflict have further impeded cricket's development.

"This marks a pivotal moment for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir," Rasool declared.

"For a considerable time, people questioned whether someone from our region could make it to India's Test team. Auqib has provided the answer to that question. His selection demonstrates that players from Jammu and Kashmir can compete with the best if afforded the opportunity."

He believes Auqib's journey will inspire a new generation.

"When I began playing, there were not many role models from Jammu and Kashmir. Today, circumstances are evolving.

"Auqib becoming the first player from the region to receive an India Test call-up will instill in countless youngsters the conviction that they too can harbor grand aspirations. His journey proves that regardless of one's origins or the challenges encountered, hard work and perseverance can elevate you to the pinnacle."

Back in Baramulla, Ghulam Nabi now finds himself recognized wherever he goes.

"People approach me, embrace me, and say, 'This is Auqib's father.'

"It fills me with immense pride."