JKCA’s pace head Auqib Nabi creates history

Srinagar, Aug 29: Jammu & Kashmir cricket witnessed a landmark day when young pacer from Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) Auqib Nabi etched his name in history books, becoming the first-ever J&K fast bowler to take a hat-trick and complete a five-wicket haul in the Duleep Trophy.

Representing North Zone in the quarterfinal 1 clash against East Zone at Bengaluru, Nabi produced a spell of sheer brilliance, returning 5 for 28 in 10.1 overs. His fiery burst included four wickets in four balls, dismantling East Zone’s lower order and ensuring North Zone’s strong grip on the match.

Mithun Manhas, Head of Cricket Operations and Development at JKCA, hailed the achievement as a watershed moment. “Congratulations on the wonderful performance of the JKCA boys. I think it is a proud moment not just for the association but for the entire region. Auqib’s hat-trick and five-wicket haul are testimony to the hard work he has been putting in since last season. He is immensely talented, and I am confident you will see a lot more of him at the highest level,” Manhas said.

Manhas also stressed that such performances at the Duleep Trophy, where national selectors closely monitor talent, strengthen Auqib’s case for a higher stage.

“The selectors are watching these games, and the Duleep Trophy is one level above the Ranji. Performances here don’t go unnoticed. Auqib has the potential to break into the pool of India’s best fast bowlers. With such consistency, his chances of donning the India cap are very bright,” he added.

Alongside his bowling heroics, Nabi also contributed with the bat earlier, scoring a brisk 44 off 33 balls, underlining his value as an all-rounder.