Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Aquib Nabi during Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai
People in his quaint village of Sheeri, about 7 km from Baramulla town in north Kashmir, are raving about his feat — a leap from a small village to the Indian Premier League (IPL) stage.
Amid a bone-piercing chill on Tuesday afternoon, Aquib Nabi’s family and fellow villagers were glued to their mobile phones, watching the live auction taking place thousands of kilometres away in Abu Dhabi.
When the bowling all-rounder was picked up by Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore — a massive jump from his base price of ₹30 lakh — cheers erupted in homes across the village, with residents breaking into celebrations and hailing the moment as a source of pride for the entire area.
“We are too happy to describe how we feel,” said Ghulam Nabi, Aquib’s father.
Delhi Capitals secured Nabi for ₹8.40 crore after opening the bidding at ₹30 lakh and outlasting Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad as the price rose beyond ₹2 crore.
Cricketing journey
Aquib’s cricketing journey began on the streets of his small village, which lacks even a proper playground, let alone clubs and coaches.
“He played for a club only after joining Amar Singh College in Srinagar,” said his father, who teaches at a local school.
“Our village still lacks a good playing field,” he added.
“This is a moment of pride not just for his family but for the entire village,” said Altaf Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla.
“Seeing someone from Sheer reach the IPL feels unreal.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the cricketer in a post on social media platform X. “We are all immensely proud of him, and it’s heartening to see his hard work pay off,” Abdullah wrote, adding that he would be cheering for Delhi Capitals in the upcoming season.
Aquib is now set to make his IPL debut after earning a lucrative contract this season on the back of strong performances in domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, the Duleep Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Published on December 17, 2025