8 J&K cricketers shortlisted for IPL 2026 Auction
Srinagar, Dec 9: The TATA IPL 2026 Player Auction list, announced on Monday, has brought a fresh wave of excitement to Jammu & Kashmir cricket, as eight players from the region have been shortlisted for the high-profile auction scheduled in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
But the strongest buzz surrounds in-form pacer Auqib Nabi, whose stellar performance in the ongoing Indian domestic season has made him one of the most promising uncapped Indian fast bowlers in the auction pool. Several franchises are expected to show interest as he pushes for a much-deserved IPL debut.
Auqib Nabi Poised for Breakthrough Season
Auqib, who has been consistently delivering with the new ball as well as in the death overs, has emerged as one of the standout bowlers in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy. His wicket-taking ability, improved pace, and control under pressure have made him a talking point among scouts and analysts ahead of the Abu Dhabi auction.
A senior JKCA official remarked that “Auqib’s form this season has been exceptional. If there is one year where an IPL debut looks almost certain for him, it is this one.”
Eight J&K Players Make IPL 2026 Auction Shortlist
The J&K players shortlisted for the December 16 auction are Auqib Nabi, Lone Nasir Muzaffar, Atif Mushtaq, Waseem Khanday, Vivrant Sharma, Abid Mushtaq, Qamran Iqbal and Ashwin Murgan.
Three J&K Players Already Retained for IPL 2026
In addition to the eight shortlisted players, three J&K cricketers have been retained by their respective franchises for the upcoming season, further marking a historic presence for the region. Those who are retained are Abdul Samad, retained by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Umran Malik – retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Yudhvir Charak – retained by Rajasthan Royals (RR).
IPL 2026 Auction: Big Pool, Limited Slots
From 1,390 registrations, only 350 players have made the final shortlist, 240 Indians and 110 overseas players. With 77 slots up for grabs, including 31 overseas positions, competition is expected to be fierce.
A total of 224 uncapped Indian players feature in the final pool, highlighting the league’s growing appetite for fresh domestic talent.
Forty players have entered the auction with the highest base price of Rs 2 crore.
J&K Cricket on a Steady Rise
As per the cricket observers in the region, the inclusion of 11 J&K players in the IPL ecosystem, three retained and eight shortlisted for the auction, signals a new chapter for cricket in the region. For Auqib Nabi, in particular, December 16 may well prove career-defining.
