Pacer Auqib Nabi from Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up to play for Surrey in the Division One County Championship starting next week, as he prepares for two Tests against New Zealand scheduled for November.
According to Cricinfo, Nabi is likely to participate in three County Championship matches before heading to New Zealand.
Initially, he was set to replace the renowned pacer Jasprit Bumrah for two Tests against Sri Lanka, but did not get the opportunity to play as India opted for Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj instead. After receiving the necessary work visa clearances on Saturday, Nabi took the first available flight and is anticipated to make his debut against Yorkshire at The Oval on Wednesday.
Fixtures and Future Plans
Nabi is expected to return to India in time for India A’s four-day matches against Australia A, commencing on September 22. The Jammu and Kashmir selectors will await input from national selectors before finalizing their squad for the Irani Cup, which is set to occur from October 1-5 in Srinagar, featuring the Ranji champions against the Rest of India team. The second India A vs Australia A match will coincide with the Irani Cup, prompting selectors to balance the teams, with Nabi likely to participate in one of them.
Importance of Game Time
With both Tests against New Zealand scheduled for early summer in New Zealand, the Team India management believes that Nabi will gain valuable experience playing in similar conditions in the UK. He played a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir’s first Ranji Trophy victory and was also part of the India A squad that toured Sri Lanka recently, where he took six wickets in two first-class matches.
Ranji Trophy Achievements and IPL Experience
The 29-year-old Nabi was instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy 2025-26 campaign, claiming 60 wickets across 10 matches (17 innings) at an impressive average of 12.56, including seven five-wicket hauls, making him the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
Following his domestic success, he was acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 8.4 crore during the 2026 IPL auction. However, he played five matches without taking any wickets, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.46.
Surrey’s Connection with Indian Players
Surrey has a history of Indian players representing the team, including Sai Sudharsan, who had brief stints in 2023 and 2024, and Rajasthan batter Mahipal Lomror, who was signed for six matches earlier this month. Additionally, Indian spinner Rahul Chahar is currently contracted with the club.