Celebrations Erupt in Baramulla as Local Cricketer Auqib Nabi Dar Secures IPL Contract

Joyous Night in Baramulla

On Tuesday night, the town of Baramulla was alive with excitement. The announcement that local cricketer Auqib Nabi Dar had signed a remarkable ₹8.40 crore contract with Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2026 auction sent waves of celebration throughout Sheeri, a locality in north Kashmir. What started as shock quickly transformed into a festive atmosphere, with neighbors emerging from their homes, traditional drums resonating in the streets, and the town becoming a hub of joy.

Friends, family, and well-wishers gathered at the Dar residence, sharing hugs and dancing to the lively beats of dhols. Sweets were distributed generously, prayers were offered, and mobile phones buzzed with congratulatory messages from across the Valley.

For Baramulla, this was not merely a sporting achievement; it represented a moment of shared pride.

A Historic Moment for Kashmir

#BadaltaKashmirPride, joy & celebration in Sheeri, Baramulla. Local talent Auqib Nabi joins @DelhiCapitals, carrying #Kashmir’s dreams onto the biggest cricket stage. From village grounds to national glory, this is what hope looks like. Best Wishes to Auqib. pic.twitter.com/zXJCwGGpVY

Auqib Nabi Dar, a fast bowler from Sheeri, Jammu & Kashmir, was acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. This uncapped player's significant breakthrough is a source of immense pride for his hometown and fans throughout the region.

A Father's Pride

Inside the Dar home, emotions ran high. Auqib’s father, Ghulam Nabi, a schoolteacher, found it hard to contain his happiness as he witnessed the celebrations unfold.

"I thank God that I have lived to see this day. His selection is the result of his hard work. I am extremely happy, beyond words. It is only God’s blessings and Aqib’s hard work," he expressed.

For years, he had seen his son juggle academics, discipline, and extensive practice, often under tough conditions. On that night, those years of effort finally paid off.

Even amidst the festivities, Ghulam Nabi had a message for the youth of Kashmir, encouraging them to pursue sports without neglecting their education and to avoid negative influences.

Community Celebration

The joy extended beyond the Dar family. Neighbors spoke of Auqib’s journey as if it were their own. Many reminisced about watching him play cricket as a teenager, diligently honing his skills.

"This is a moment of immense happiness for all of us. Celebrations are ongoing. He has always been a dedicated worker, and we cannot express this joy in words," said Sajad-ul-Bashir, a relative.

Bashir noted that Auqib’s success has placed Sheeri and north Kashmir on the cricketing map, inspiring many young aspirants to pursue their dreams.

From Local Grounds to IPL Stardom

Auqib Nabi Dar’s ascent has been marked by consistent performance rather than sudden fame. His displays in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Ranji Trophy this season had already attracted the attention of cricket enthusiasts. The IPL auction simply confirmed what many in Baramulla had believed—that one of their own was ready for the grand stage.

As news of the ₹8.40 crore bid spread, disbelief gradually transformed into pride. For a region that has often faced challenges in gaining representation and recognition, Auqib’s accomplishment felt deeply personal.

More Than Just a Contract

As the night wore on and the drums quieted, the crowd began to disperse, but the smiles lingered. For Baramulla, Auqib’s IPL contract signifies more than just a lucrative deal; it serves as evidence that talent from Kashmir can shine on the largest platforms when given the chance and the determination to succeed.

In the calm that followed the celebrations, it became evident that this victory was not solely for Auqib Nabi Dar, but for an entire community that dared to dream alongside him.