Auqib Nabi Dar is a name that has quickly become familiar to cricket fans across India. Born in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, he has risen from modest beginnings to become one of the most talked-about players in domestic cricket. His story is not just about wickets and runs, but about determination, family support, and the dream of representing India on the biggest stage.
In December 2025, Auqib’s career reached a turning point when the Delhi Capitals signed him for a massive ₹8.40 crore during the IPL 2026 mini auction. This was 28 times his base price of ₹30 lakh, making him one of the most expensive uncapped players of the season. His journey from playing tennis ball cricket in the lanes of Baramulla to becoming a crorepati overnight is inspiring for young cricketers, especially those from smaller towns who often struggle for recognition.
Auqib Nabi Dar Biography, Height, Age, Wife, Family
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Auqib Nabi Dar |
| Profession | Cricketer (Bowling All-rounder) |
| Role | Right-arm medium pace bowler, Right-handed batsman |
| Date of Birth | 4 November 1996 |
| Age (as of Dec 2025) | 29 years |
| Birthplace | Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 65 kg |
| Body Measurements | Chest: 42” • Waist: 32” • Biceps: 13” |
| Education | Government Higher Secondary School, Fatehgarh; Amar Singh College, Srinagar |
| Family | Father: Ghulam Nabi Dar (Government Teacher) |
| Fiancée | Aaqira (Engaged on 20 April 2024) |
| Food Habits | Non-Vegetarian |
| Domestic Team | Jammu & Kashmir (since 2018) |
| Major Tournaments | Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Duleep Trophy |
| IPL Team (2026) | Delhi Capitals (Bought for ₹8.40 crore in Dec 2025 auction) |
| Career Highlights | • 43 wickets in Ranji Trophy 2025 (5 matches) • 4 wickets in 4 balls, Duleep Trophy 2025 • Net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad (2023) |
| Inspirations | Dale Steyn, Zaheer Khan, Jasprit Bumrah |
| Lifestyle Goals | Plans to open a cricket academy in Baramulla |
| @auqib_nabi/ | |
| @auqib.nabi.829430/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Auqib_Nabi |
Early Life and Background
As per Wikipedia, Auqib Nabi Dar was born on 4 November 1996 in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. He grew up in a traditional Kashmiri household where education was considered more important than sports. His father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, worked as a government teacher and wanted his son to become a doctor. But Auqib’s heart was always in cricket.
As a child, he played tennis ball matches with friends in his locality. These informal games helped him develop his bowling skills and gave him confidence. Interestingly, Auqib’s journey into serious cricket began almost by chance. One of his friends failed to qualify in the U-16 trials, and Auqib decided to try his luck.
Education and Personal Development
Auqib completed his schooling at Government Higher Secondary School, Fatehgarh. Later, he joined Amar Singh College in Srinagar for higher studies. Balancing academics with cricket was never easy, but he managed to keep both on track. His father’s insistence on education ensured that Auqib did not neglect his studies even while chasing his cricket dreams.
During his college years, Auqib started playing more competitive cricket. He participated in local tournaments and gradually caught the attention of selectors. His performances in district-level matches earned him a place in the Jammu and Kashmir state team. This was the first big step in his professional career.
Physical Appearance and Fitness
Auqib Dar stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and weighs around 65 kg. His athletic build makes him well-suited for fast bowling. His chest measures 42 inches, waist 32 inches, and biceps 13 inches. These numbers reflect his commitment to fitness, which is essential for a pace bowler.
Fitness has always been a priority for Auqib. He follows a strict routine that includes running, strength training, and yoga. His ability to bowl long spells in domestic matches is proof of his stamina. In the Ranji Trophy 2025 season, he bowled tirelessly and picked up 43 wickets, making him one of the top performers.
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Cricketing Journey – Domestic Career
Auqib Nabi Dar’s professional cricket journey began in 2018 when he was selected to play for the Jammu and Kashmir team. His role was that of a bowling all-rounder, but it was his pace bowling that quickly caught attention. He bowls right-arm medium pace and bats right-handed, giving his team balance in both departments.
In the Ranji Trophy, Auqib proved his worth by consistently taking wickets. His breakthrough season came in 2025 when he picked up 43 wickets in just five matches. This performance made him one of the leading wicket-takers of the tournament. His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain discipline in line and length made him a dependable bowler for his side. Auqib also played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he showed his skills in shorter formats.
Breakthrough Moments
Every cricketer has defining moments, and for Auqib Nabi Dar, there have been several. In 2023, he was chosen as a net bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. In August 2025, Auqib created headlines during the Duleep Trophy when he took four wickets in four balls. Such rare achievements instantly put him in the spotlight.
Later in November 2025, he attended trials with Mumbai Indians. Though he impressed, he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction. This was a setback, but Auqib did not give up. He continued to perform in domestic cricket, and his persistence paid off when Delhi Capitals bought him for ₹8.40 crore in the IPL 2026 auction.
Personal Life and Relationships
Behind the cricketing headlines, Auqib Nabi Dar has a personal story that is equally inspiring. He comes from a close-knit Kashmiri family. His father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, is a government school teacher who initially wanted his son to become a doctor. But over time, he accepted Auqib’s passion for cricket and supported him wholeheartedly.
In April 2024, Auqib got engaged to his fiancée, Aaqira. The engagement was a private family affair, but it was widely celebrated among his friends and fans. His relationship reflects his grounded nature. Despite his growing fame, Auqib has kept his personal life simple and rooted in family values.
Lifestyle and Interests
Auqib follows a disciplined lifestyle. He is a non-vegetarian and enjoys Kashmiri cuisine, which is known for its rich flavours. His social media presence is modest compared to other cricketers, but he uses platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share glimpses of his life and career.
Beyond cricket, Auqib dreams of starting a cricket academy in Baramulla. He wants to give young players from Jammu and Kashmir the opportunities he struggled to find in his early years. This vision shows his commitment not only to his own career but also to the future of cricket in his region.
Interesting Facts
- After a friend failed the U-16 trials, Auqib began to take cricket seriously.
- In his early years, he looked up to Dale Steyn as an example of assertiveness.
- In the 2023 Indian Premier League, he bowled nets for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- In the 2025 Duleep Trophy, he once claimed four wickets in four balls.
- He wants to start a cricket academy in Baramulla.
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