Proud moment for J&K: LG Sinha
Will inspire aspiring sportspersons: CM Omar
Srinagar, Aug 03: In a landmark achievement for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, fast bowler Auqib Nabi has received his maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad after replacing injured pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), on Monday announced Nabi’s inclusion after Bumrah was ruled out due to an incomplete recovery from a left knee injury, rewarding the UT pacer for his exceptional domestic performances that helped J&K clinch its first-ever Ranji Trophy title last season.
BCCI’s Men’s Selection Committee named Auqib Nabi as Bumrah’s replacement. The Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler earns his maiden call-up to the senior national team. Nabi claimed 104 wickets across the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, including 60 wickets in the 2025-26 campaign, playing a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph. He was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he claimed six wickets in two first-class matches.
India’s updated squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Auqib Nabi.
“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,” LG Sinha said on X.
CM Abdullah described 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, Abdullah 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. (KNO)
