Delhi did not buy Baramulla Express Aaqib just like that

Valley’s Aaqib Nabi Dar was bought by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.40 crores in the mini auction of IPL. The special thing is that Rajasthan Royals, Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad were also involved in the race to buy Aaqib. This success of Aaqib is also special because there was a time when he did not have spikes to give trials. During an interview, Aaqib had told that at that time he was wearing sports shoes worth Rs 500, then he took spikes from a senior player and gave his first trial. The special thing is that Aaqib played his first match of Under-19 also with borrowed spikes. Later, he bought spikes with the match fees and has kept them safe till today.

Now this player from Sheeri village of Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir has become a new star. Aaqib was born on 4 November 1996, his father is a teacher in a government school in Baramulla. Aaqib was good in studies so his father wanted him to become a doctor. Although Aaqib was fond of playing cricket. He started playing cricket with tennis balls. At home, he used to practice by making wickets out of pots. The family did not support cricket at first. But after selection in JKCA trials, father agreed. Aaqib said that his village is far from cricket facilities, he had to travel 60 km to the stadium.

Aaqib started red ball cricket at the age of 19. Before that he used to play only T20. There was no coaching in the village. Injuries also troubled me. But did not give up. Became the highest wicket taker for JK in Ranji Trophy. Took 43 wickets in one season in 2025, which is a record. He left Parvez Rasool behind. Also played well in Duleep Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali.

Aaqib took 125 wickets in 36 first class matches. Aaqib has taken the most wickets from Jammu and Kashmir in the 2025 Ranji season. He was continuously giving trials for IPL. Last season also, Delhi Capitals had shown interest in Aaqib, but he could not be bought in the auction. Now, after the bid of Rs 8.4 crore by Delhi Capital in the mini auction, there is an atmosphere of celebration in his village family. Aaqib is the third player from Kashmir for whom bids were made in IPL.

On his son’s selection in the IPL auction, Aaqib’s father said that his son worked hard and got results today. General Secretary of Baramulla Cricket Forum, Zubair Ahmed Dar said that Aaqib is a role model for the youth of North Kashmir. He will soon be seen playing in international cricket also.

Aaqib’s strength is swing bowling, last season Delhi’s bowling was not impressive, powerplay wickets were also lacking. In such a situation, Aaqib was considered a long-term young fast bowler prospect. DC owner Parth Jindal said that now they were tracking Aaqib, he is very exciting.