Surrey has announced the signing of Indian fast bowler Auqib Nabi for their next three County Championship Division One matches, effective immediately.
The 29-year-old, known for his stellar domestic performances, is set to debut for the club as they look to climb the Division One table from their current eighth position. His signing comes amidst a demanding schedule for the London-based team.
Auqib Nabi Joins Surrey
Nabi’s arrival is a timely boost for Surrey, who aim to navigate a challenging run of fixtures. “With the exceptionally challenging schedule of six games in six weeks, with minimal recovery between matches along with international fixtures, we’ve had to add options to our bowling stocks for the County Championship run in,” stated Alec Stewart, Director of Men’s Cricket. “We look forward to welcoming Auqib to the group this week.”
Auqib Nabi’s Impressive Recent Form
Auqib Nabi has been in a ‘purple patch’ over the past few months, making a significant impact in Indian domestic cricket. He was instrumental in Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph, where he claimed an impressive 60 wickets, earning him the player of the tournament award. His exceptional performance also secured him a lucrative IPL contract with Delhi Capitals for the 2026 season, during which he featured in five matches.
Beyond domestic success, Nabi has also represented India A recently and was called up to the senior Test squad as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement for the Sri Lanka Tests, though he did not make his international debut. Speaking about his move to England, Nabi expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s an honour to join Surrey, one of the best Clubs in England. I’m looking forward to learning from the group and helping them for the next three matches.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Nabi’s short-term deal will see him available for three crucial County Championship encounters. These matches are vital for Surrey, who are currently eighth in Division One after winning a hat-trick of titles from 2022-2024.
Here are the details of the matches Auqib Nabi is set to feature in:
| Match | Dates | Venue | Start Time (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surrey vs Yorkshire | Sep 2-5, 2026 (Wed-Sat) | The Kia Oval, London | 10:30 AM BST |
| Sussex vs Surrey | Sep 8-11, 2026 (Tue-Fri) | The County Ground, Hove | 10:30 AM BST |
| Surrey vs Glamorgan | Sep 15-18, 2026 (Tue-Fri) | The Kia Oval, London | 10:30 AM BST |
Auqib Nabi’s signing brings an exciting dimension to Surrey’s campaign, with the Indian pacer eager to make his mark in English county cricket and contribute to his new team’s aspirations for the remainder of the season.