LG Sinha, CM Omar congratulate Baramulla’s pacer
Srinagar, Aug 3: Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has earned his maiden call-up to the Indian Test team after being named as the replacement for injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, beginning on August 15.
According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the 29-year-old fast bowler from Baramulla has been drafted into the squad following Bumrah’s injury, which has ruled him out of the series.
With this selection, Auqib Nabi becomes only the second cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India at the international level after Parvez Rasool.
Nabi’s inclusion comes on the back of a sensational domestic run. He picked up 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025–26 season, playing a key role in Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy title earlier this year.
He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he impressed with six wickets in two matches against Sri Lanka A in Galle.
Meanwhile, Bumrah’s absence is expected to be a major setback for India as the team looks to revive its World Test Championship (WTC) campaign. India currently occupies the fifth position in the WTC standings, making the Sri Lanka series crucial for its hopes of qualifying for the WTC final.
Reports suggest Bumrah’s latest injury aggravated a recurring knee issue that had persisted since the T20 World Cup despite his return during the IPL.
Auqib Nabi’s elevation to the senior national side is being celebrated as a landmark achievement for Jammu and Kashmir cricket and is expected to inspire a new generation of cricketers from the Union Territory.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated Jammu and Kashmir cricketer Auqib Nabi on his selection to the Indian squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
In a post on X, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor said Auqib Nabi’s selection is a matter of pride and joy for the entire Union Territory.
“Congratulations to cricketer Auqib Nabi on his selection to the Indian squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. It is a proud and joyous moment for Jammu Kashmir. I extend my best wishes to him and hope he achieves great success while representing the nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Auqib Nabi recently earned his maiden India Test call-up after being named as a replacement in the national squad for the Sri Lanka series, becoming one of the few cricketers from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India at the highest level.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has congratulated Jammu & Kashmir cricketer Auqib Nabi on his selection to the Indian squad for the forthcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, describing the achievement as a proud milestone for J&K and a testament to the growing sporting talent emerging from the region.
In his congratulatory message, the Chief Minister said Auqib Nabi’s inclusion in the national Test squad is a moment of immense pride for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and reflects the dedication, perseverance and hard work that have marked his journey in the sport.
He said the young pacer’s achievement would serve as a source of inspiration for countless aspiring cricketers and sportspersons across the region, encouraging them to pursue excellence with determination and commitment.
Extending his best wishes, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that Auqib Nabi would make the most of the opportunity on the international stage and contribute significantly to India’s success in the series. He wished him a successful debut and many more milestones in his cricketing career, expressing hope that he would continue to bring laurels to the nation and make Jammu & Kashmir proud.
