J&K cricketers shine in IPL auction, secure lucrative deals

Srinagar, Nov 25: Two cricket talents from Jammu and Kashmir made significant strides in the IPL 2025 auction, with Rasikh Salam and Abdul Samad securing high-value contracts with prominent franchises.

Rasikh Salam Dar from Kulgam's Bhan Ashmuji area was purchased by Royal Challengers Bangalore for Rs 6 crore, marking his fourth IPL season. Previously associated with Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals, Salam had initially registered with a base price of Rs 30 lakh.

Abdul Samad, a batting all-rounder from Jammu who was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for three consecutive years, was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 4.2 crore.

The auction's first day proved promising for J&K cricket, with 12 additional players from the region awaiting their fate in today's proceedings. These players include Atif Mushtaq, Avinash Singh, Nasir Lone, Mujtaba Yousuf, Abid Mushtaq, Vivrant Sharma, Shubham Khajuria, Musaif Ajaz, Kunal Chibb, Yudhveer Singh, and Aquib Nabi.

The auction represents a significant opportunity for these players to showcase their talent on the national cricket stage.