Jammu & Kashmir Pacer Auqib Nabi Earns Maiden India Test Call-Up for Sri Lanka Series

Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has received his maiden call-up to the Indian national Test squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The 29-year-old fast bowler has been selected as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah following a successful domestic season.

What Happened

On Monday, August 3, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced an updated Test squad, selecting Baramulla-born pacer Auqib Nabi. Nabi earned his spot after finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season. Following the announcement, his Jammu and Kashmir teammates greeted him with a celebratory welcome, with reactions captured in a video shared by Star Sports on X on August 4, 2026. Teammate Mohammad Junaid called it a proud moment for everyone, stating that playing for India is the dream of every young cricketer. Other teammates highlighted that Nabi’s call-up followed ten years of continuous hard work.

Key Highlights

• Auqib Nabi has been named as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement for India’s upcoming two-Test series in Sri Lanka, beginning August 15 in Galle.
• Nabi finished as the top wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy tournament.
• In 43 first-class matches prior to the call-up, the fast bowler took 162 wickets and scored 999 runs.
• While Parvez Rasool previously represented India in one ODI and one T20I, no cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir has played Test cricket to date.

Why This Matters

Nabi’s selection represents a major milestone for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir. If he features in the playing XI, he will become the first player from the region to play a Test match for India, demonstrating a clear pathway from domestic cricket to the national Test squad for regional athletes.

What to Watch Next

India is set to begin its two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on August 15 in Galle, where Nabi could potentially make his Test debut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Auqib Nabi?

Auqib Nabi is a 29-year-old fast bowler from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, who plays domestic cricket for Jammu and Kashmir.

What are Auqib Nabi’s first-class records?

Before his selection, Nabi played 43 first-class matches, taking 162 wickets and scoring 999 runs as a lower-order batter.

Has any cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir played Test cricket for India before?

No cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir has played Test cricket for India. Parvez Rasool is the only cricketer from the region to represent India internationally so far, having featured in one ODI and one T20I.

Source: Crictracker and Star Sports video announcement.